Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s resolve to work “relentlessly and in unity” for the country’s progress as he performed the groundbreaking of the Gujranwala Mass Transit System.

Addressing the ceremony, the prime minister said the recent by-election results reflected the performance of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

He vowed to work tirelessly over the next three years to steer the country toward stability, expressing confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would make gains in the next general elections.

Calling the new transport system a major gift from the Punjab government, PM Shehbaz said it would transform mobility across Gujranwala district by providing modern, reliable and timely commuting options.

He added that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s contributions in road infrastructure, health and education were “written in golden words,” noting that his “most significant national achievement” was making Pakistan a nuclear power.

He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability had played a decisive role in safeguarding the country’s security, adding that “constructive politics” had prevailed over “conspiratorial politics.”

Punjab CM Maryam said the 31.2-kilometre Gujranwala metro corridor would be completed within twelve months at a cost of Rs63 billion.

She announced that another metro project would begin in Faisalabad in the coming days.

Highlighting ongoing provincial initiatives, the chief minister said numerous development projects had been launched for farmers, labourers, women and the youth.

She added that the new transport system would benefit students, workers, office-goers and residents from distant areas who rely on daily public travel.

The prime minister also praised the Punjab government for efforts to reduce smog levels in Lahore, saying the city was once ranked among the world’s most polluted but had shown visible improvement.