Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Phase-II of electric bus project in Lahore and made several landmark announcements aimed at transforming public transportation and urban infrastructure across the province.
During her address at the inauguration ceremony, she announced addition of 70 more electric buses in Lahore by December and a total number of 500 electric buses for the entire Lahore Division. She also revealed plans to launch Metro Bus Project in Gujranwala and Faisalabad by November, besides introducing a new sewerage and drainage system across Punjab.
The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif provided updates on several key initiatives being launched by the Punjab government such as 90,000 houses are currently under construction across Punjab under ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ scheme, with a target of constructing 100,000 homes by November. She underscored that clean drinking water will now be provided directly to homes, eliminating inconvenience of people to travel long treks to fetch water. Underground rainwater storage tanks are being built to harvest and manage rainwater efficiently. 20,000 km of roads have been repaired and built, with 25 km of roads construction has been planned in every village. 2500 villages, mostly in South Punjab are being developed as model villages equipped with facilities like parks, paved streets, sanitation and drainage systems.
She added, “People from other provinces remained busy in baseless criticism while we stood with our people. Pakistan is our pride but I will not tolerate any disrespect towards Punjab.” She revealed that in the wake of deadly cloudbursts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she called Chief Minister KPK Ali Amin Gandapur from abroad and offered Punjab’s support. Referring to political opponents, she said, “While Punjab suffered, others held three press conferences just to mock us. I stayed silent out of restraint but now, if they speak, they will get a befitting reply.” She added, “Zardari is a respected elder and Bilawal is like a younger brother to me but mocking Punjab’s difficulties is unacceptable.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that Punjab’s dignity will not be compromised at any cost. She outlined, “When someone tries to score political points over Punjab’s distress and difficulties in the wake of devastating floods, I will speak out. They walked out of the assembly and demanded that I should apologize. I say it loud and clear, I will never apologize. Nations are built on self-respect and I will protect dignity of Punjab’s people at all costs.” She concluded, “Before you speak against the people of Punjab again, think about it hundred times.”
Separately, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed a delegation of National Security and War Course; congratulated Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force on the success of “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsus;” and paid tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir and other military leadership on this historic achievement.
She briefed the delegation about innovative and historic projects of Punjab government, and said, “Every decision of a ruler impacts lives of people, an economically and defensively strong country is seen with respect in the world.” She highlighted that there are no political appointments in Punjab now as nepotism and recommendations have been completely done away with. Appointments are made on 100% merit basis as there is no accusation of corruption against the government which is a great achievement of course. She added that she is not against local government, rather she believes in the delegation of powers to the local representatives. She noted that homeland is a design of mother earth, it is unbearable to betray her, therefore, various institutions are constantly monitoring as my eyes and ears performance and service delivery of Government institutions.
The delegation of the National Security War Course included participants from Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force and civil officers, besides 47 participants from 26 countries including Australia, Britain, China, America, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Palestine, South Korea and others. Participants, especially the Bangladeshi delegate, appreciated all public welfare projects of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.