The Punjab government has decided to launch 27 solar-powered electric buses in Lahore by the end of this month, marking a significant step towards cleaner and more sustainable public transport.

These buses are part of the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to reduce air pollution and promote green energy solutions.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting of Punjab government’s development schemes, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, in the presence of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The Chief Minister had earlier ordered that 620 eco-friendly buses should be deployed in major cities of Punjab in the near future.

Apart from the transport initiative, the meeting also took several important decisions, including the distribution of Ramazan Nigahban package cards to eligible persons, with the aim of providing financial relief during the holy month.

The meeting, which reviewed the efforts of 27 ministries and departments, also evaluated the progress of ongoing development schemes and new projects.

These included assessments by the Ministries of Transport, Mining, Fisheries, Environment, Forests, Wildlife, Labour, Livestock, Auqaf, Commodity Management, among others.

Important updates from the meeting included the progress of 15 smart police stations to be completed by February 19 and the approval of 42 million rupees in additional funds for the Kala Shah Kaku Judicial Academy.

In addition, 500 million rupees were proposed for the development of 261 tonnes of iron ore reserves.

The meeting also reviewed the establishment of shelters in Rawalpindi and Sargodha as directed by the Chief Minister, as well as the speedy construction of a model orphanage in Attock.

In accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives, the Minority Fund has been doubled to support the development of non-Muslim communities, and restoration efforts for historic churches are progressing rapidly.

In her speech, Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb directed that mapping for a 1,000-hectare shrimp farming project be completed and efforts to protect Chhanga Manga forests and expedite tree plantation projects be intensified.

She also urged that the feasibility study for a model fish market in Lahore be completed expeditiously.

Aurangzeb also highlighted the establishment of a state-of-the-art climate observatory in Lahore’s Thokar Niaz Baig area, which is expected to significantly reduce air pollution in the city.

Further, she emphasized the need to speed up the establishment of health and safety facilities for workers in Faisalabad along with the construction of hostels and 165 day care centers across Punjab for working women.

The meeting was briefed about the rapid upgradation of Jhang Veterinary College and Cholistan Veterinary University.

A key focus was on providing mobile veterinary services in southern Punjab with the aim of bringing services directly to farmers’ doorsteps.

Minister Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that the performance of the officers would be closely monitored and there would be no compromise on the speed, quality and management of the ongoing projects.

The meeting, which included presentations by Chairman Planning and Development Nabeel Ahmed Awan, Secretary Asif Tufail and various departmental secretaries, underlined the government’s commitment to sustainable development and social welfare initiatives for the people of Punjab.