Maryam directs launching Punjab Air project

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formally directed the launch of Punjab Air project.

Chairing a meeting for a briefing on Pakistan’s first provincial airline and Pakistan’s first bullet train projects, she directed authorities to launch the Air Punjab and gave in-principle approval to start the Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train project. She also directed them to immediately get four Airbuses on lease for the Air Punjab and said: “Initially, the Air Punjab will start domestic flights. After one year, it will be able to start foreign flights.”

She directed authorities to immediately make arrangements to lease the latest aircraft for the Air Punjab. She also directed them to make necessary arrangements to make the Air Punjab the best airline in the country. She was briefed on the first bullet train project from Lahore to Rawalpindi. She was apprised: “The journey time from Lahore to Rawalpindi through bullet train will be reduced to about two and a half hours.” She reviewed various options for running the fastest bullet train in collaboration with the Pakistan Railways, and assigned Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb the task of collaborating with the Pakistan Railways in this regard. “The option of a public-private partnership for the bullet train project is also being considered.”

The chief minister sought plans for high-speed trains on six more routes in Punjab. These routes include Lahore-Shahdara-Narowal, Lahore-Raiwind-Kasur-Pakpattan-Lodhran, Sheikhupura Fort-Jaranwala-Shorkot, Shorkot-Jhang-Sargodha, Lala Musa-Sargodha via Malikwal, and Faisalabad-Chak Jhumra-Shaheenabad. She reviewed Lahore Yellow Line and Mass Transit Line Gujranwala projects. She set the deadline of May 30 to complete the study of the Jinnah Terminal Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura Yellow Line project, and June 15 to complete the study of the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line project. She was also briefed on an e-taxi project.

Meanwhile, Maryam said in her message on X: “Lahore, a city of history, heritage and love, has been declared Tourism Capital 2027 at the 6th ECO Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Erzurum, Turkiye. With its magnificent historical heritage, colorful culture and immense potential, Lahore is ready to welcome the world. As the ECO Tourism Capital 2027, Lahore is going to be an attractive centre of tourism on the global stage. We thank ECO countries for choosing Lahore as ECO Tourism Capital 2027. With the trust, support and cooperation of the ECO, we will bring the beauty of Pakistan, Punjab and Lahore to the world.”

Maryam while appreciating the security forces for a successful operation against terrorists in Bannu said: “The nation stands by the Pakistan Army to defend the beloved homeland.”