Punjab govt launches electric bus service in six more districts

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday launched an eco-friendly electric bus service in six more districts, unveiling a phased plan to expand the state-backed transit fleet to 5,000 vehicles to connect all sub-districts in the province.

The new green bus service — introduced in Attock, Khushab, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Bhakkar, and Khanewal — offers international-standard public transport at a highly subsidised flat rate, Maryam Nawaz said.

Addressing a virtual ceremony in Lahore, the chief minister said that Punjab is the only province in Pakistan providing affordable and zero-emission mass transit.

“The demand for these electric buses is exceptionally high, allowing citizens to commute for a fare of just Rs20,” she said. “For the first time, the people of Punjab have access to a modern, comfortable and environment-friendly travel facility.”

The provincial government plans to add 1,500 more electric buses later this year, expanding the active fleet to 3,000 vehicles.

The long-term policy targets a total of 5,000 vehicles to establish comprehensive coverage across all 147 tehsils (sub-districts) in Punjab, linking remote northern regions like Murree with central and southern districts.

Maryam Nawaz noted that the low-cost service has significantly enhanced mobility, particularly for female students and working women.

Separately, on the sidelines of the transit launch, the chief minister met with a high-level delegation from Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, to discuss regional trade corridors and economic cooperation in agriculture, livestock, and industrial sectors.

Under a proposed bilateral framework, Punjab is reviewing a plan to lease up to 200 hectares of land to Karakalpakstan for advanced potato cultivation.

She reiterated that the provincial government is streamlining regulatory processes to offer optimal incentives for foreign direct investment along Central Asian trade routes.