Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the first modern and eco-friendly electric bus service in Sahiwal by traveling on the bus.
Thousands of people gathered along the roads, showered flower petals, and raised slogans in praise of the Chief Minister as the electric bus moved through the city, said a handout issued here.
Briefing the Chief Minister, Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan said 16 electric buses would operate in the first phase on four routes, including Arifwala Bypass to Sarwar Chowk, Noor Shah to KFC Bypass, Farid Town to Yousafwala, and General Bus Stand to Kamir. He added that the service would facilitate over 25,000 passengers daily, with fares fixed at Rs.20 per stop.
The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, CCTV cameras, and a separate compartment for women, while a dedicated charging station has also been established in Sahiwal.
Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the second phase of the Green Tractor Scheme, bringing relief and excitement to thousands of farmers across the province.
In a draw, 9,500 tractors were allotted, with Maryam Nawaz personally calling some of the lucky winners to congratulate them.
During the ceremony, the Secretary of Agriculture briefed the Chief Minister on the details of the scheme. Under the Green Tractor Scheme, farmers who own seven acres or more are eligible to receive tractors ranging from 75 to 125 horsepower.
High-power tractors come with a government subsidy of Rs1 million, while medium-power tractors (50-65 horsepower) receive a subsidy of Rs500,000. In total, the scheme will provide 20,000 tractors to farmers across Punjab.
The response to the programme has been overwhelming. Out of 734,000 applications, 282,000 farmers were found eligible for the draw.
Significantly, almost 98 percent of applicants opted for locally manufactured tractors, reflecting strong confidence in domestic production and a boost for the local industry.
Adding a personal touch to the event, Maryam Nawaz made phone calls to several successful applicants.
With the Green Tractor Scheme, the Punjab government aims not only to provide subsidies but also to ensure that modern machinery reaches the hands of hardworking farmers.
Maryam Nawaz emphasised that this initiative reflects her government’s commitment to directly support the farming community, helping secure a more prosperous future for Punjab’s agriculture.
Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited the flood relief camp set up at the Technical College in Bahawalnagar on Monday, where she met with flood victims and reviewed the ongoing relief operations.
According to APP correspondent, Deputy Commissioner Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhawan briefed the CM on the flood situation in the Sutlej River and the rescue and relief operations being carried out by the district administration.
Maryam Nawaz appreciated the efforts of the administration and directed authorities to prioritize restoration of link roads to ensure uninterrupted access for relief and recovery operations.
She inspected the field hospital set up in the camp and interacted with women at a handicraft center, where she even sewed with a machine and made traditional crafts.
She distributed ration packs to the victims and gifts to women and children, showcasing her government’s commitment to disaster relief and long-term development.
She also sat with affected women, checking the quality of food and sharing a meal with them.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized her government’s determination to rebuild and support affected communities.