The Punjab government is set to introduce 27 solar-powered electric buses in Lahore by the end of this month, marking a significant move towards eco-friendly and sustainable public transportation.
This initiative reflects the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to combat air pollution and promote renewable energy solutions.
The decision was finalized during a high-level review meeting on development schemes, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and attended by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The Chief Minister had earlier instructed that 620 environmentally friendly buses be deployed across major cities in Punjab in the near future.
Alongside the transportation initiative, the meeting approved several other key measures, including the distribution of Ramazan Nigahban Package cards to provide financial assistance during the holy month of Ramadan.
The meeting reviewed the performance of 27 ministries and departments and assessed the progress of various ongoing development projects.
These included updates on the Transport, Mining, Fisheries, Environment, Forests, Wildlife, Labor, Livestock, Auqaf, and Commodities Management ministries.
Notable updates included the completion of 15 Smart Police Stations by February 19 and the allocation of an additional 42 million rupees for the Kala Shah Kaku Judicial Academy.
Additionally, a proposal for 500 million rupees was made to develop 261 tons of iron ore reserves.
The establishment of shelters in Rawalpindi and Sargodha, along with the expedited construction of a Model Children’s Home in Attock, was also reviewed.
The Minorities Fund has been doubled to support non-Muslim communities, and restoration efforts for historical churches are progressing quickly, in line with the Chief Minister’s directives.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb directed the completion of mapping for a 1,000-acre shrimp farming project and emphasized enhanced protection for the Chhanga Manga Forests and accelerated tree plantation initiatives. She also called for the swift completion of a feasibility study for a model fish market in Lahore.
The establishment of a State-of-the-Art Climate Observatory in Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore, is also underway, aimed at significantly reducing air pollution in the city.
Further directives included accelerating the development of health and safety facilities for workers in Faisalabad, building hostels and 165 daycare centers for working women across Punjab, and upgrading Jhang Veterinary College and the Cholistan Veterinary University.
Mobile veterinary services in Southern Punjab were highlighted to bring assistance directly to farmers.
Minister Aurangzeb stressed the importance of closely monitoring the performance of officers and maintaining high standards of quality, speed, and governance in all projects.
The meeting featured presentations from Planning and Development Chairman Nabeel Ahmed Awan, Secretary Asif Tufail, and other department secretaries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable development and the welfare of Punjab’s citizens.
