Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz inaugurates Gujranwala mass transit project

WEB DESK: Gujranwala witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for its long-awaited mass transit system, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressing the gathering and highlighting her government’s development agenda. She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister for attending the event and emphasised that the project reflects the vision and legacy of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, adding that a metro project in Faisalabad will commence shortly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present on the occassion.

He lauded CM Maryam Nawaz for delivering a historic project to the people of Gujranwala, noting that the mass transit system will transform the city’s future and provide much-needed travel facilities for students, patients, workers, and the general public. He described her efforts as commendable, saying Maryam Nawaz is writing a new chapter of development in Punjab.

PM Sharif also highlighted the legacy of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, crediting him with laying the foundation of construction-driven politics in 1985, which he said countered conspiratorial politics and led to historic achievements, including Pakistan’s emergence as a nuclear power. This, he noted, contributed to a historic victory in the Operation Marka-e-Haq.

The Prime Minister praised Maryam Nawaz’s administration for initiatives in education, health, and the Safe City program, emphasising that cities like Lahore, once among the most polluted, have seen significant improvements due to her relentless work. He added that the tangible successes across Punjab reflect continuous, dedicated governance.

PM Shehbaz Sharif concluded by expressing optimism about the country’s future, stating that under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, the next elections will yield historic results, ushering in a new era of prosperity and development for Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz underlined ongoing initiatives across Punjab, including infrastructure, education, health, and technology. She noted progress in CPEC-related projects, Orange Line and Metro Bus services, model villages, clean water schemes, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. The Suthra Punjab program, recognised by Forbes, has already removed 50,000 tons of waste and is hailed as the world’s largest sanitation initiative. Under the Apna Ghar program, over 100,000 homes are under construction, with thousands completed.

She also highlighted the construction of thousands of kilometers of roads, establishment of field hospitals serving millions, distribution of tractors to farmers, ration cards for laborers, scholarships, and laptops for students, as well as training in AI and robotics.

Maryam Nawaz criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, contrasting Punjab’s developmental focus with their alleged inaction, and stressed that her administration is dedicated to public service rather than political posturing. She further noted strict action against drug dealers, encroachment mafias, and the use of CCTV monitoring across Punjab to ensure security and accountability.

The Gujranwala mass transit project marks a significant step in improving urban mobility and reinforces Punjab’s broader push for infrastructure and social development.