Maryam approves free wheat transportation

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a meeting on Monday, where she approved free transportation of wheat across the province.

The meeting also decided to maintain the policy of wheat procurement through the private sector under a free-market and deregulated framework. “Farmers are our brothers, and their interests will be protected,” the CM affirmed during the session.

The participants reviewed the province’s situation ahead of the upcoming wheat harvest. CM Maryam commended Punjab’s farmers for achieving a record wheat yield this season and paid them glowing tribute for their hard work and dedication.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over the Punjab government’s recent initiative of awarding 1,000 tractors free of cost to wheat farmers, recognising it as a significant step in supporting the agricultural sector.

Separately, CM Maryam gave in-principle approval for the launch of 1,500 electric buses to modernise public transport across various cities of the province.

Chairing a special meeting of the Transport Department, she was briefed in detail about the proposed electric bus system, which would be rolled out in phases, beginning with major cities and later expanding to remote areas.

In the first phase, 380 electric buses will be procured, with services set to begin in Lahore and Gujranwala. The CM set a deadline of June next year for the operational launch of electric bus services in these two cities.

The meeting also approved the introduction of the new transport system in six additional districts: Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujrat, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

Plans were finalised to initiate red and orange line bus services in Faisalabad. The red line will operate from Samundri Road to Sargodha Road, while the orange line will run from Jaranwala to Jhang Road.

The CM ordered for immediate planning and construction of electric bus tracks in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, and granted a 15-day extension for the planning of the yellow line electric bus track in Lahore. She also sought a comprehensive proposal for setting up electric bus charging stations across the province.

Additionally, approval was granted for establishing a state-of-the-art Transport Tower Command and Control Centre in Lahore to monitor and manage the system.

“I am the chief minister of everyone,” said Maryam Nawaz. “Not just Lahore — every city and every citizen of Punjab has the right to a modern, efficient public transport system. I envision electric buses operating across all major cities to include everyone in this journey toward progress.”

Meanwhile, on the World Health Day, CM Maryam reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to providing the best healthcare and medical treatment facilities to the people of Punjab.

In her message, she stated that comprehensive health reforms had been initiated under the vision of ‘Sehatmand Punjab’. “Millions of patients have gained access to quality healthcare at their doorsteps in just a few months through field hospitals and clinics on wheels,” she stated.

Highlighting key developments, she shared that for the first time in Punjab, 1,250 health centres are being upgraded into modern, fully-equipped clinics. “Comprehensive and effective measures are being implemented in major hospitals to ensure availability of treatment, diagnostic tests, and medicines. For the first time, free medicines are also being delivered directly to patients’ homes,” she noted.

The CM added that citizens were receiving improved services at basic health centres under the Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics. She also announced the upcoming launch of Pakistan’s first government-run cancer hospital in Punjab and a cardiology institute in Sargodha.

Further, the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Programme and the introduction of a Transplant Card had marked significant strides in specialised care. “An air ambulance service has also been launched to transport critically ill patients from remote areas to major hospitals in emergencies,” she added.

Speaking about the importance of the day, she said, “World Health Day draws attention to global health issues and urges decision-makers to prioritise well-being. This year’s theme, ‘Healthy Start, Hopeful Future’, underscores the importance of maternal and child health.”

She stressed the need to promote both medical care and healthy lifestyle awareness, stating, “A healthy population is the foundation of a prosperous, peaceful, and thriving society. World Health Day serves as a reminder for all of us to make health a top priority. Even small changes in our daily lives can lead to a better quality of life.”

Maryam Nawaz also took serious notice of an incident in which a prayer leader (Imam Masjid) was injured after a kite string wound around his neck in a suburban village of Sargodha.

The CM sought a detailed report from the regional police officer (RPO) Sargodha and directed the authorities concerned to take strict and effective measures to prevent the use of hazardous metal strings and curb kite flying in violation of law.

The Punjab CM lauded the efforts of security forces for successfully eliminating nine khwarij terrorists in the Takwara area of Dera Ismail Khan.

She paid rich tribute to the bravery and commitment of the personnel involved in the operation and stated, “Terrorism is the worst crime against humanity. The entire nation stands united with our security forces in this fight.”

CM Maryam Nawaz also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Member Punjab Assembly (MPA) Chaudhry Arshad Javed Warraich.

Extending her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, she acknowledged the late MPA’s valuable political services and dedicated contributions to public welfare.