Maryam okays execution of two transport projects

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given in-principle approval for the execution of two major transport projects in Punjab, including 20,000 electric bikes and 657 eco-friendly urban buses.

She has also directed the preparation of a school bus project for girl students in every Tehsil of Punjab, with a directive to reduce the advance amount for students.

Chairing a high-level meeting here on Monday, she reviewed the progress of the transport projects aimed at enhancing citizens’ convenience. She emphasized the government’s responsibility to alleviate people’s hardships, particularly economic challenges, which the government was committed to addressing. During a briefing, it was revealed that the first phase of the project would introduce diesel hybrid regenerated buses in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur. The bike project is set to launch on May 9, with deliveries beginning the same month. Additionally, Maryam approved a plan to provide 657 buses for improved transportation facilities in major cities and directed the transport minister to oversee the project’s execution.

The meeting was attended by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Advisor Pervaiz Rasheed, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, MPA Sania Ashiq, chief secretary, chairman P&D, secretary Transport, secretary Finance, MD TPRA, president Bank of Punjab, CEO Punjab Transport Company, MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority and other officers.

Reduction in housing installments: Maryam Nawaz has instructed reducing housing installments for low-income individuals and set a deadline for marking land for housing construction in different districts. She has also ordered measures to lower the overall cost of housing.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on the One Lakh Houses Project, she emphasized her commitment to ensure that no citizen in Punjab remains homeless. She stated that every citizen should have his own house, aligning with the government’s manifesto of providing affordable housing for all.

The secretary Housing highlighted issues related to the scheme for low-income individuals. Maryam Aurangzeb, Pervaiz Rasheed, Azma Zahid Bukhari, MPA Sania Ashiq, Zeeshan Malik, chief secretary, SMBR, chairman P&D, secretary Housing, secretary Finance, commissioner Lahore, DG PHA, project director Punjab Affordable Housing Program and other officials attended the meeting.

Ramazan care package: Under the directives of Maryam Nawaz, digital monitoring of the Ramazan Nigheban Package is underway, with a daily report to be submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office. The delivery of the Ramazan Care Package has been completed for over one million households. Additionally, the verification of names and addresses for 48 lakh 70 thousand households out of 64 lakh 79 thousand eligible for the package has been finalized. Across Punjab, the verification process for 47 lakh households eligible for the package has been completed. In the past 10 days, 1,271 price control magistrates have inspected 417,162 places, leading to identification of 10,879 shopkeepers and traders engaged in overcharging. These offenders have been fined over 2 crore 87 lakh rupees, with 755 FIRs filed and 2,153 peddlers arrested. In the latest inspections conducted on Sunday, 1,271 price control magistrates inspected 2,479 locations across the province, resulting in fines exceeding 16 lakh 28 thousand rupees on wholesalers, along with 30 FIRs and 94 arrests.

The distribution of Ramazan packages has been significant, with the Lahore district leading with over 75,000 packages distributed, followed by Khanewal with more than 70,000 and Dera Ghazi Khan with over 63,000.

PBA delegation: A delegation of the Pakistan Broadcasting Association met Maryam Nawaz. The delegation included Mian Amir Mehmood, Shakeel Masood, Sultan Ali Lakhani and Naz Afrin Sehgal. The delegation congratulated Maryam on assuming the office. The relationship between the Punjab government and electronic media was discussed. Maryam assured the delegation of considering their suggestions.

The meeting was also attended by Marriyum Aurangzeb, Azma Zahid Bukhari and Pervaiz Rasheed.

Condolences: Maryam Nawaz has expressed condolences over the death of ANP Chief Asfandyar Wali’s wife. She conveyed her grief and solidarity with the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Maryam Nawaz defended the PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif’s picture on the Ramazan Package hampers, saying that it’s Nawaz Sharif’s government in Punjab.

She responded to criticism from the opposition’s regarding the display of Nawaz Sharif’s image on the hampers, dismissing it as personal publicity at government expense.

“Listen, tell me whose government is in Punjab, Nawaz Sharif, Thank You,” she retorted.

Former senator Pervaiz Rashid, Marriyum Aurangzeb, and other cabinet members were also present.

Responding to questions about the police crackdown on opposition protests, she asserted that blocking roads and endangering the lives and property of citizens cannot be tolerated. She emphasised that no one should misuse democratic and political rights to destabilise the country.

“This cannot be labeled as political victimisation,” she said, asserting that no one will be allowed to disrupt the country under the guise of democracy and politics.

Maryam Nawaz recounted witnessing a video where a woman raided a police van to release those arrested, questioning where such actions would be tolerated in the world. She stressed that if citizens take to the streets, they must also act responsibly, and those threatening public safety will face legal consequences.

“Arriving at the Civil Secretariat on time sends a clear message that punctuality is crucial, and others should follow suit for positive progress,” she remarked in response to queries about her office hours compared to previous officials’.

Regarding further transfer postings, she said that transfers and postings will be made as necessary.

Addressing concerns about the transfer of the chief secretary, Maryam Nawaz defended retaining an officer performing well.

She acknowledged the issue of price hikes and assured that the government was addressing it. She lamented the inflation surge during Ramazan in Pakistan compared to other countries, promising crackdowns on hoarding and price control mechanisms.

Maryam Nawaz directed the chief secretary to enforce official price lists across the province and crack down on violators. She emphasised daily meetings with officials concerned to ensure compliance.

Responding to questions about bureaucratic luxury spending, she stressed the need for essential expenditures while affirming the government’s primary responsibility to provide basic rights to Punjab’s 120 million citizens.

The provincial information minister, Azma Bukhari, was contacted for an official response regarding Nawaz Sharif’s picture on the Ramazan package, but no response was received at the time of this report.