Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched a new electric bus service in Faisalabad on Monday, unveiling a fleet of 150 buses for four districts while pledging to safeguard the province’s rights.
At the inauguration, she said Faisalabad was “returning to the PML-N fold” and praised senior party leaders for their loyalty to her father, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, during challenging times.
She particularly lauded Rana Sanaullah for his steadfast support, recalling his vow to stand “a thousand per cent” with Nawaz Sharif.
Maryam dismissed criticism of her public visibility, saying personal attacks would be ignored, but any challenge to Punjab’s development or rights would be firmly countered. If you talk against Punjab’s rights, Maryam Nawaz will not spare you,” she warned.
She announced that Faisalabad would receive 90 electric buses, Jhang 30, and Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh 15 each, calling the initiative the city’s first-ever public transport system and congratulating residents on the new service.
Earlier, she had introduced eco-friendly buses in Sargodha, where 60 buses will operate in the city and 105 more will serve Bhakkar, Mianwali, and Khushab.
The service will feature separate seating for women, with fares fixed at Rs20 for men, while women, children, students, and senior citizens will travel free of charge.
Reports indicate 48 buses have already arrived in Sargodha as of September 17. Five bays at the General Bus Stand have been cleared to accommodate them. For now, 33 buses will begin operations in phase one, with 15 more to follow in phase two.
A temporary charging station has been set up, though reliance on just one station could pose challenges. The government has also earmarked land near Chak 91 for a permanent charging facility, which will be installed by a third-party operator.