Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday announced major development initiatives for the garrison city, including a Rs 30 billion signal-free corridor and the expansion of electric bus fleet from 45 to 80 vehicles, alongside a range of transport, infrastructure and welfare projects.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Electro Bus Phase-II project, the chief minister said work on the 25-kilometre signal-free corridor – featuring nine underpasses and three flyovers- had commenced and would be completed next year, providing relief to an estimated 200,000 daily commuters.
Maryam said besides 80 buses for the Rawalpindi city, their overall number for the division would be increased up to 145, including 15 each for Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock, ensuring modern and environmentally-friendly transport system in the entire region.
The increase in electric buses, she added, formed part of the government’s wider plan to introduce 1,100 green buses across Punjab by December. The service, she said, offered Rs 20 fare, with women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students travelling free of cost. She said the buses were equipped with Wi-Fi, charging ports, CCTV monitoring, wheelchair space and separate compartments for women.
The chief minister also announced a Rs100 billion programme to overhaul rural drainage and sewerage systems, a new provincial anti-harassment law, and the construction of the Thal Expressway from Rajanpur to Bhakkar.
She added that after the completion of the Lahore Cancer Hospital, new cancer hospitals would be established in Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Maryam said road development had accelerated across the province, with thousands of kilometres of roads completed over the past year and 1,000 inter-village roads planned for this year. She added that the Wagah-Lahore stretch had been transformed into a 14-kilometre Green Heritage Corridor.
The chief minister said over 100,000 houses were under construction under the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme, with 350 to 400 units being completed daily. She said medicines for cancer, hepatitis and diabetes were now being delivered at patients’ doorsteps, while cardiology centres were being established in 20 cities.
Maryam said 1.5 million families were receiving ration cards, and 80,000 students were benefitting from scholarships. Missing facilities in public schools were being addressed, teachers’ shortages were being filled, and the school meal programme had boosted enrolment, she added.
The chief minister said smog-control measures had reduced seasonal smog by up to 70 per cent, and clean drinking water would be provided to every household in the Potohar region this year. Rural areas, she added, were being developed as model villages with improved amenities.
She said the crackdown on illegal weapons and drug peddling near educational institutions had been intensified, while police reforms had led to significant reductions in crime. She said Rs85 billion in loans had been issued under the Easy Business Scheme, and that the “Suthra Punjab” initiative and plantation drives were improving sanitation and greenery across the province.
Maryam said the government’s priorities were public safety, service delivery and sustained progress, stressing that development “comes through hard work, not shortcuts.”
Separately, Maryam Nawaz paid glowing tribute to the security forces for eliminating 39 khawarij in successful intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In her statement, she said the armed forces had once again demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in defending the nation.
The chief minister said that terrorism would be rooted out completely, adding that the flag of Pakistan would always fly high through the sacrifices and commitment of its defenders. She described the security forces as the pride of the nation and a protective shield against the nefarious designs of the enemy. She said the successful operations had sent a clear message that Pakistan remains strong, resolute and invincible in the face of all threats.