Maryam launches transport initiative for girls’ colleges in Punjab

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the ‘CM Transport Programme for Women in Girls’ Colleges’ on Monday, under which 76 buses have been dedicated to girls’ colleges across Punjab.

In Phase-I of this initiative, 19 buses were provided to women’s colleges. The chief minister met with students from these colleges, who presented her with a bouquet. During the inauguration, the chief minister called the female students on stage and handed over the keys of the buses to the principals of 19 women’s colleges.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inspected the buses and considered a proposal to provide air-conditioned buses for girls’ colleges. Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Farrukh Naveed briefed her in detail on the programme.

The chief minister was informed, “Buses will be provided to 76 colleges across Punjab in three phases.” It was further explained, “In the first phase, buses have been allocated to 19 tehsils lacking transportation facilities, including Bhakkar, Sialkot, Chiniot, Kamalia, Hasilpur, Malakwal, Ferozewala, Shorkot, Jatoi, Fateh Jang, Hasan Abdal, Kot Momin, Jalalpur Pirwala, Kallar Syedan, Pindi Gheb, Manchanabad, and Sharqpur.”

In the second phase, girls’ colleges in Nowshera Virkan, Dina, Yazman, Pindi Bhattian, Lalian, Bhawana, Kot Addu, Taxila, Sarai Alamgir, and Pelaan will receive buses. Additionally, buses will be provided to Allama Iqbal Town Lahore, Isa Khel, Raiwind, and Sohawa Girls Colleges by February 2025. By March-April 2025, in the third phase, two more buses and 32 coaches will be allocated to 35 additional tehsils.

Meets envoy: “We wish to benefit from Portugal’s experience in various sectors,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during a meeting with the Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Manuel Frederico Pinheiro Da Silva. They explored opportunities for mutual cooperation in education, health, IT, agriculture, and tourism.

She said, “We value our diplomatic ties with Portugal and will work to further strengthen our mutual relations.” The chief minister agreed to form bilateral teams to promote mutual relations and increase the trade volume between Portugal and Punjab. She instructed the relevant authorities to redesign the incentive package for foreign investors in Punjab, emphasising that “investors from Portugal will be welcomed to invest in Punjab’s tourism sector.”

Maryam highlighted that “a favourable investment environment has been ensured in Punjab.” She also sought an effective and sustainable plan for developing mutual relations. The Honorary Consul of Portugal, H.E. Iftikhar Feroz, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Additional Secretary Sara Hayat, and other relevant officials were also present at the meeting.

“The entire nation stands united in eradicating the scourge of terrorism, and we will achieve this, God willing,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in a strong condemnation of the blast near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. She said, “Terrorists cannot demoralise the nation with their cowardly acts.”

The chief minister expressed grief over the loss of three lives in the blast and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “The world’s silence on the plight of the oppressed people of Palestine is a human tragedy,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in her message on Palestine Solidarity Day.

The CM praised the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) team for their successful action against Khawarij in Mianwali, in which seven terrorists were killed. She stated, “The nation stands by its law enforcement agencies.” The CM reaffirmed, “The fight will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated.”