Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated a new electric bus service in Multan on Thursday, unveiling an initial fleet of 60 buses. She announced plans to extend the service to cover all city routes and to add another 100 buses in the near future.

During the launch event, Maryam emphasized that the green electric bus initiative was deeply valued by the public and formed a key part of her government’s commitment to delivering safe, affordable, and environmentally sustainable public transportation throughout Punjab. She revealed that the fare would be set at Rs20, while women, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities would be allowed to travel free of charge.

The chief minister highlighted that the buses were air-conditioned and equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and charging ports. For enhanced security, especially for female passengers, CCTV cameras had been installed. Additionally, special provisions including wheelchair access and ramps were made for persons with disabilities.

Maryam reiterated that the government had introduced electric bus services across Punjab without regional bias, stressing that every resident of Punjab was her responsibility. She expressed her determination to prevent unsafe travel practices, such as passengers riding on bus roofs, by providing a dignified and secure transport system. The government’s commitment to expanding the fleet by another 100 buses in Multan was also reaffirmed.

In a broader context, the chief minister spotlighted various infrastructure and development projects in Multan and South Punjab. She mentioned the transformation of the Multan-Vehari road, previously notorious as a “killer road,” which was completed within a year and significantly reduced travel time. This improvement formed part of a larger strategy to enhance road connectivity in the region. Maryam expressed confidence that with an additional two and a half years in office, her administration would reshape South Punjab’s development landscape.

She also introduced the Agriculture Mall in Multan, designed to provide farmers with seeds, fertilizers, medicines, and machinery under one roof, streamlining access to essential agricultural inputs and reducing the need to visit multiple offices or markets.

Turning to healthcare, Maryam highlighted the recently inaugurated cancer treatment facility in Multan, which would serve patients from South Punjab as well as from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. The hospital was equipped with modern technology and specialist doctors. She also referenced the cancer-treatment machine installed at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, noting that a second machine had been set up in Multan. She recalled meeting two women who had undergone treatment there, with procedures lasting about 45 minutes.

The chief minister announced plans to expand electric mobility further by providing 100,000 electric bikes to students across Punjab, aligning with the government’s broader environmental goals. She pointed out the province’s progress in controlling smog and reiterated that electric buses contributed to this improvement.

Maryam also referenced the provincial housing scheme, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, noting that two million homes had been completed and 125,000 people had moved in. The project had recently been selected for a United Nations award, with the provincial government invited to receive it in Muscat on October 5 during World Habitat Day. Furthermore, she mentioned the establishment of around 300 Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence across Punjab, where thousands of children were currently enrolled.

Addressing law and order, Maryam reported improvements in Punjab’s security situation and paid tribute to police and Counter Terrorism Department personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. She acknowledged facing threats and warnings about potential legal cases against her but affirmed her resolve not to be intimidated, emphasizing that public dignity and security were paramount.

In a notable reference to recent tensions, Maryam criticized the visit of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to Lahore, alleging that individuals from KP had come to “attack” Punjab and that Afridi had forcibly entered a Punjab police vehicle. She declared that his visit failed to accomplish its objectives.

Responding to criticism regarding the use of the Punjab government’s aircraft, Maryam clarified that the plane belonged to the provincial government and not to her personally. She added that criticism directed at her was essentially criticism of Punjab’s development initiatives.

On the issue of rising fuel prices and inflation, Maryam attributed the increases to the Iran-US conflict and expressed her reluctance to further burden the public. She highlighted government efforts to ease commuting costs through free or subsidized public transport for vulnerable groups.

Maryam expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received from Multan’s residents, stating that their affection would remain memorable. She urged people to associate the green bus service with her presence in the city.

The Multan launch forms part of Punjab’s wider rollout of electric public transport. The provincial government announced that 612 electric buses were already operational across various districts, with 192 more expected to join the fleet shortly. Plans are in place to deploy 1,500 electric buses in 91 tehsils starting January 2027, aiming for a total of 3,000 electric buses province-wide by June 2027.

Earlier announcements had outlined a comprehensive electric mobility program including electric buses, bikes, taxis, and three-wheelers. In July, the government revealed plans to introduce 5,000 electric buses over five years, with approximately 400 already in service at that time.