Punjab CM inaugurates electric buses in Sargodha

Sargodha (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the modern and eco-friendly electric bus service in Sargodha, marking a significant step toward providing comfortable and affordable urban transport.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, she emphasized that progress would no longer be confined to major cities alone, but smaller cities would also share in modern development.

The Punjab CM announced that the service offers completely free travel for women, senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities.

Dedicated seating arrangements have been made for female passengers, and CCTV cameras have been installed to ensure a secure and peaceful commuting experience.

Maryam highlighted the cost relief the project brings, noting that the journey from Bhera to Sargodha, which previously cost Rs200 in rundown buses, would now be available at just Rs20 in a state-of-the-art electric bus.

The Punjab CM expressed concern over the absence of a heart care hospital in Sargodha and explained that this gap led to the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology.

She added that the institute has already commenced work and will soon be fully functional, providing local patients with specialized care and eliminating the need to travel to Faisalabad or Lahore for treatment.

Turning to the recent historic floods in Punjab, the Chief Minister revealed that India’s release of water had caused devastation across 27 cities and 5,000 villages.

She said that the provincial government responded swiftly, relocating 2.5 million people to safer locations while ensuring the supply of cooked food, medicines, and other essential items.

Maryam Nawaz also announced what she described as the largest relief package in Pakistan’s history.

“Families who lost their homes entirely are being given Rs1 million each, while partially damaged households will receive Rs500,000. Additionally, compensation of Rs500,000 is being provided for the loss of a large animal, while Rs50,000 is set for the loss of a goat or sheep,” the Punjab CM said.

She assured that the government would not rest until the last affected family is resettled, adding that Punjab is a province where both people and animals are valued.

Concluding her address, the chief minister pledged to transform Punjab into a hub of development, opportunity, and justice, where every segment of society is granted the dignity and facilities they deserve.