Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday unveiled multiple development projects during the launch of phase two of electric buses in Rawalpindi, emphasising that progress comes through hard work, not shortcuts.
Addressing the ceremony, she announced the construction of a Rs30 billion signal-free corridor in Rawalpindi and the Thal Expressway stretching from Rajana town to Bhakkar.
Maryam Nawaz said the electric bus service had been launched from smaller cities because her government made no distinction among residents.
The chief minister stated that the electric buses were environmentally friendly and offered a fare of just Rs20.
Women and persons with disabilities could travel free of charge on the electric buses, she added.
She announced that the number of electric buses in Rawalpindi Division would be increased from 45 to 145, and declared that residents of Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock would each receive 15 electric buses, ensuring modern and environmentally-friendly transport system in the entire region.
The Punjab chief minister also revealed plans to set up cancer hospitals in Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan, and a Rs100 billion new drainage and sewerage system for rural areas.
Maryam Nawaz said a government-run cancer hospital will begin treatment in January, noting that 20 patients have already recovered using a Cobalt Ablation machine.
She added that under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” scheme, 350 to 400 houses were being built daily.
The chief minister highlighted a 60-70 per cent reduction in smog across Punjab over the past year.
She said a new law against harassment was being introduced, warning that intimidation of women would no longer be tolerated.
Maryam Nawaz also announced measures to resolve land disputes within 30 days through new ordinances and cited a 70 per cent decline in crime in Punjab, attributing it to the work of the Citizen Complaint Desk (CCD).
She asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had been the only party to consistently deliver development, stating, “Work is done through effort, not witchcraft. Some have wasted years in politics without achieving anything.”
