punjab launches electric

Punjab launches 77 electric buses in seven more districts

ByJustpaste.in

LAHORE – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz on Thursday inaugurated 77 electric buses on 17 routes in seven more districts — Vehari, Lodhran, Kasur, Gujrat, Narowal, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib — expanding the province’s green public transport network.

According to an official handout, women, students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities will travel free of charge, while the fare for all other passengers has been fixed at Rs20. The buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, CCTV monitoring and charging ports.

The handout said that 511 electric buses were already operational in 29 districts and one tehsil. With the latest addition, the number of operational electric buses has increased to 588 across 36 districts. Another 101 electric buses have already reached nine districts, while the remaining 488 buses are expected to arrive by the end of August 2026.

It added that 1,500 more electric buses would be introduced across every tehsil of Punjab after the completion of the ongoing district-level project. Funds worth billions of rupees have been allocated for the initiative under the Annual Development Programme.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister said the seven districts had received government-operated public transport for the first time. She described the Green Bus Service as a popular initiative that had made daily commuting easier for people travelling to educational institutions, hospitals and workplaces.

CM Punjab said that during her visit to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, she realised the importance of the Green Bus Service, adding that demand for the facility there was higher than anywhere else she had seen. She expressed confidence that the number of electric buses in Punjab would reach 1,100 by the end of August.

The handout further stated that 11 electric buses had been allocated to each of the seven districts. In Gujrat, the buses will operate on routes from the General Bus Stand to Mangowal and Daulat Nagar. In Narowal, services will run from the General Bus Stand to Manga Pull, Shakargarh, Pasrur Chowk, Zafarwal and on the circular route.

In Kasur, buses will ply between the General Bus Stand and Kacha Paka, and between the General Bus Stand and Gajju Matta Stop. In Sheikhupura, services will operate from the e-bus depot to Shahdara Metro Station and Khanqah Dogran.

In Nankana Sahib, the buses will run from the General Bus Stand to Mor Khunda and Warburton. In Lodhran, the routes will connect Shaheed Islam Hospital with Kehror Pacca and Dunyapur. In Vehari, the buses will operate from Government Graduate College to Fawara, and from Pir Mahal to Tibba Sultanpur.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Girl killed by brother after choosing to marry, ac…

    ByJustpaste.in

    RAWALPINDI: A young woman was allegedly shot dead by her brother in Gujar Khan after she had married a man of her choice, police said on Saturday. The accused, who allegedly killed his sister two days ago, has been arrested by police. A case has also been registered at Gujar Khan Police Station on the complaint of the victim’s father. According to the family, the woman had left home in January during her leave and married a man of her choice. She had subsequently been living with her husband in Karachi. Police said the woman’s brother recently brought her back to the family home from Karachi after reconciliation between the two sides. Her father later alleged that his son shot and killed his daughter over her decision to marry according to her own choice. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

  • | |

    Sherjeel Memon alleges pre-poll rigging ahead of A…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MIRPUR, July 26: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has accused political opponents of attempting to influence the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections before polling. Speaking to journalists in Mirpur, Memon alleged that buses worth Rs200 million were sent to the region a day before polling as part of an attempt to influence voters. He claimed that the move was aimed at creating an impression among voters and affecting their electoral choices. Memon also criticised the Election Commission of AJK. He alleged that the commission had failed to take timely action against what he described as pre-poll rigging. He said the PPP would oppose any attempt to manipulate the election process. The provincial minister also criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. He accused the party of ignoring what he described as unconstitutional and unethical actions. Memon said the final decision in the AJK elections would be made by the people of Kashmir. He urged federal ministers to focus on their official responsibilities. He also called on them to stay away from activities that could interfere with the electoral process. The Sindh minister alleged that attempts were being made to influence voters through buses and trucks before polling. He questioned whether the people of Kashmir could be persuaded through material incentives. Memon said the people of Mirpur were politically aware. He expressed confidence that voters would not be influenced by such offers. He said PPP leaders had reached Mirpur to monitor the election situation. According to him, the party wanted to prevent alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process. Memon also called on the Election Commission to examine the activities of federal ministers during the election campaign. He questioned why action had not been taken over alleged violations of the election code of conduct. The minister specifically asked why federal ministers involved in election campaigning had not faced action. Memon also highlighted the PPP’s position on the Kashmir issue. He said the party had consistently raised the issue at international forums. He praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for presenting the Kashmir issue before the international community. Memon said he expected voters to support the PPP in the elections. He claimed that voters would reject what he described as smaller political parties. The minister further said Kashmiri voters could not be bought through financial or material incentives. He said people in Kashmir would reject attempts to influence their decisions through such tactics. Memon also questioned why action had not been taken against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over alleged election-related violations. His comments came a day before the first phase of the AJK general elections. The polling process is set to begin on July 27 in the Mirpur division. The election campaign has intensified ahead of polling. Political parties are making competing claims about the electoral process, while authorities have warned against actions that could disrupt peaceful and transparent elections.

  • | |

    President orders stronger monsoon preparedness nat…

    ByJustpaste.in

    President Asif Ali Zardari has directed all federal, provincial, and local authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness and speed up rescue and relief operations as heavy monsoon rains continue to affect several parts of Pakistan. The president issued the instructions as the country enters a critical phase of the monsoon season. Weather experts have warned that continued rainfall could increase the risk of flash floods, river flooding, urban flooding, landslides, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outburst floods in vulnerable regions. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction caused by recent rains, President Zardari extended his condolences to the affected families. He also expressed concern over the damage to homes, roads, public infrastructure, agricultural land, and other property caused by the ongoing severe weather. The president instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), district administrations, and other relevant agencies to maintain close coordination throughout the emergency. He said all institutions should work together to ensure a timely and effective response to any weather-related incident. He directed authorities to issue early weather warnings without delay and ensure that information reaches people living in high-risk areas. He stressed that advance warnings can help communities take precautionary measures and reduce the loss of lives and property. President Zardari also ordered continuous monitoring of rainfall, river flows, reservoirs, and water levels, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where heavy rains have increased the possibility of flash floods and landslides. He instructed authorities in downstream districts to complete all necessary preparations for possible flooding. The president further directed emergency agencies to deploy rescue teams, heavy machinery, medical staff, and relief supplies in vulnerable areas before conditions worsen. He also called for special measures to protect tourists, travellers, and local residents in mountainous regions where landslides, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods pose serious risks. He emphasised that all government departments must remain on high alert and respond immediately wherever human lives, homes, or critical infrastructure are threatened. He said protecting citizens should remain the highest priority during the ongoing monsoon season. President Zardari also appealed to the public to follow official weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel to areas facing heavy rainfall or flood warnings. He urged citizens to cooperate with rescue teams and local authorities during emergency operations. The president appreciated the efforts of rescue workers, emergency personnel, volunteers, and officials who continue to assist affected communities despite difficult weather conditions. He also prayed for the safety of people across the country. The ongoing monsoon spell has caused widespread destruction in several provinces. At least 37 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while many others have been injured. Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and landslides, damaging houses, roads, bridges, crops, livestock, and public infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.

  • | |

    Punjab launches ‘Naya Aaghaz’ programme for pr…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: In a major step towards prison reform and prisoner rehabilitation, the Punjab government has launched the “Naya Aaghaz” (New Beginning) Programme, an initiative designed to provide interest-free loans to eligible inmates after their release, enabling them to start small businesses and successfully reintegrate into society. The programme, introduced under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s prison reform agenda, is being implemented through a partnership between the Punjab Home Department and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance. The agreement aims to support former prisoners by helping them achieve financial independence using vocational skills acquired during their imprisonment. Under the initiative, eligible released prisoners will be able to obtain interest-free loans of up to Rs200,000 to either establish a new business or expand an existing one. The loans will be repaid in equal monthly instalments over 36 months, while recovered funds will be recycled to support future beneficiaries. An initial revolving fund of Rs5 million has been allocated by Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance to launch the programme. All administrative and operational costs will be borne by Akhuwat, ensuring that neither the Punjab Home Department nor the Punjab Prisons Department faces any financial burden. The Punjab Prisons Department will identify inmates expected to be released within the next three months and assess their eligibility based on their conduct in prison and the vocational training they have successfully completed. Final verification of loan applications will be carried out independently by Akhuwat in accordance with its lending policies. Officials said Punjab’s prisons currently offer certified vocational training programmes across all correctional facilities, with inmates receiving technical education in 23 different trades. More than 28,000 prisoners have already earned vocational certificates through TEVTA and PVTC training centres, while approximately 6,500 inmates are presently undergoing skills training. Additionally, 74 psychologists are working in Punjab prisons to encourage rehabilitation through counselling and positive engagement. The agreement was signed by DIG Prisons Ahmed Naveed Gondal and Akhuwat CEO Dr Kamran Shams in the presence of Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Task Force on Prisons Rana Manan Khan, Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib, Inspector General Prisons Mian Salik Jalal, senior Home Department officials and other representatives. Speaking at the ceremony, Rana Manan Khan said the programme would enable released prisoners to become financially self-reliant and lead respectable lives after completing their sentences. He described prison reforms as one of the Punjab government’s highest priorities and said the administration was committed to transforming prisons into genuine rehabilitation centres. Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reducing poverty, promoting social reintegration and ensuring that former prisoners return to society as productive and self-sufficient citizens. He added that education, vocational training and discipline were central to the government’s vision of modern prison reforms. Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib said the programme is entirely based on the principle of Qarz-e-Hasna (benevolent, interest-free loans) and will provide released inmates with a dignified opportunity to rebuild their lives. He noted that Akhuwat has so far disbursed over Rs500 billion in interest-free loans to around 4.5 million families across Pakistan. Officials also clarified that individuals listed under the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) or designated under United Nations Security Council sanctions will not qualify for the scheme. They further stated that the Punjab government and the Prisons Department will not be responsible for loan defaults, business losses or repayment issues, as all lending decisions and monitoring will remain the responsibility of Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance.

  • | | |

    Pakistan rejects EU GSP+ report, defends reform re…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the European Union’s latest assessment of the country’s performance under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), saying the report does not accurately reflect the scale of reforms implemented over the past several years. Speaking during the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan appreciates that the report acknowledges the country’s legislative progress and continued implementation of the 27 international conventions linked to the GSP+ programme. However, he said the overall assessment presents an unbalanced picture by placing greater emphasis on areas where progress has been slower while overlooking broader reforms. Andrabi said Pakistan has introduced wide-ranging legal, administrative, and institutional reforms since joining the GSP+ scheme in 2014. He maintained that these reforms have strengthened governance, improved labour protections, promoted human rights, and supported sustainable economic development. The spokesperson described GSP+ as one of the most important pillars of Pakistan’s economic partnership with the European Union. He said the preferential trade arrangement has played a significant role in boosting exports, creating employment opportunities, increasing women’s participation in the workforce, reducing poverty, and supporting economic growth. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue with the European Commission and other European institutions. According to Andrabi, the government remains fully committed to implementing international conventions and continuing reforms aimed at meeting its obligations under the GSP+ framework. He also highlighted that Pakistan’s cooperation with the European Union extends beyond trade. Both sides continue to work together in areas including climate resilience, migration, regional security, counterterrorism, development, connectivity, education, and economic cooperation. During the same briefing, the Foreign Office also rejected allegations made in a recent Amnesty International report regarding Pakistani military strikes in Kabul earlier this year. Andrabi said Pakistan completely rejects the claims, arguing that the report contains serious allegations without credible evidence. He maintained that any military action taken by Pakistan was carried out solely in self-defence and targeted terrorist hideouts and logistical facilities. He said the operations were conducted only after other options had been exhausted and fully complied with the principles of necessity, distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international law. He added that Pakistan exercised restraint despite facing repeated cross-border terrorist attacks. The spokesperson urged the international community to focus greater attention on militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He said organisations such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and other affiliated groups continue to maintain bases and carry out attacks against Pakistan from across the border. Andrabi called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to fulfil their international commitments by preventing terrorist organisations from using Afghan territory for attacks against neighbouring countries. He said the continued presence of militant groups poses a serious threat to regional peace and security. The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens. Andrabi said no responsible state can ignore repeated attacks on its people and security forces.

  • | |

    Shahid Afridi’s missing Pet Dog found safe, form…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Former Pakistan cricket captain and star all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi has announced that his pet dog, which went missing in Islamabad a day earlier, has been found and safely returned home. Afridi shared the good news on social media, expressing his happiness and relief after being reunited with his beloved pet. The former captain had earlier appealed to the public for help after his dog disappeared in Islamabad. In his initial post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Afridi informed his followers that his pet dog was missing and requested people to help locate it. He explained that the dog was not simply a pet but had been raised as a member of his family. Afridi also shared the emotional history of the animal, revealing that the dog had survived a serious illness when it was only 30 days old. Despite facing severe health complications at such a young age, the dog recovered and became an important part of the family. The disappearance of the pet caused concern for the former cricketer, who turned to social media to seek assistance from the public. His appeal quickly attracted attention from his followers and social media users, many of whom shared and supported his post in an effort to help locate the missing dog. The former Pakistan captain later returned to social media with an update that brought relief to those who had followed the situation. He announced that his dog had been found and had safely made it back home. Sharing the positive news, Afridi thanked everyone who supported his appeal and helped spread the message about his missing pet. He expressed his gratitude to the people who shared his post and contributed to the search. Afridi said that the support he received from the social media community played an important role in the safe return of his dog. He thanked all those who stood by him and helped amplify his message during the difficult situation. The incident highlights how social media can be used not only for entertainment and communication but also to mobilize communities during emergencies and personal difficulties. Afridi’s large following helped his appeal reach a wider audience, increasing the chances of locating the missing pet. For Afridi, the return of the dog was particularly meaningful because of the strong bond he shares with the animal. Having cared for it since a very young age and watched it recover from a serious illness, he considers the dog a member of his family. The former captain’s emotional response also drew attention from fans who expressed happiness over the dog’s safe return. Many social media users welcomed the news and congratulated Afridi after he confirmed that the pet was back home. Shahid Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most popular cricketers, has remained active on social media and frequently interacts with his supporters. His latest post once again demonstrated the strong connection between the former cricketer and his followers. With the dog now safely back home, Afridi thanked the online community for its support and assistance. He said the outcome would not have been possible without the collective efforts of people who shared and supported his appeal. The former captain can now breathe a sigh of relief after what had been an anxious search for a much-loved member of his family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *