The Punjab government has decided to launch free transport services in 17 districts across the province as part of efforts to provide relief to the public.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where a report on the impact of oil prices on transport fares was presented. Additional directives were also issued to enhance public relief measures.
During the meeting, approval was granted to run free transport in 17 districts, with pilot projects cleared for Gujranwala, Multan, and Sialkot. A report was also sought within 24 hours to determine transport fares per kilometer. The meeting also reviewed price control measures across Punjab.
A detailed assessment of current prices of 23 essential food items, including onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, and pulses, was conducted in every district including Lahore.
During the briefing, it was highlighted that flour prices in Punjab are significantly lower compared to other provinces, being Rs427 less than Sindh, Rs823 less than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Rs790 less than Balochistan. Prices of most pulses, fruits, and vegetables were also reported to be comparatively lower, with ample stock of lentils and gram available.
Officials were directed to review DC rates of essential commodities and present a report, while authorities were instructed to regulate LPG prices across the province. Measures were also ordered to prevent hoarding of essential food items. During the meeting, the public was urged not to purchase items being sold above notified prices.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed displeasure over deaths caused by open drainage and directed assistant commissioners to conduct surveys of ponds and stagnant water areas in every street. Commissioners were instructed to submit daily reports with photographs, and measures were ordered to ensure safety of such sites in every union council.
Separately, a delegation of leading Chinese companies including Kunlun Group and Sunder Green Group called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif here on Tuesday, and discussed broad-based cooperation in industrial development, energy, and vocational training sectors in the province.
During the meeting, agreements were reached in principle to initiate solar panel manufacturing in Lahore through joint collaboration, while plans were also discussed to send 50,000 students from Punjab to China for advanced vocational and industrial training aimed at strengthening technical skills and workforce capacity.
The meeting also granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a 1,000-acre industrial estate in Lahore, envisioned as a major hub for investment and manufacturing activities. Discussions further included proposals for transferring technology related to the production of petrochemical products from coal in Punjab, marking a potential step toward diversified industrial energy utilization. It was informed during the briefing that the proposed initiatives are expected to generate around 18,000 employment opportunities across the province.
The CM assured full facilitation and institutional support to both local and foreign investors, reiterating that the government’s focus is on enabling industrial growth through partnerships rather than direct business involvement. She emphasized the “Start Today” policy, under which timely execution of development and investment projects is being prioritized to accelerate economic activity in Punjab.
The delegation included representatives such as CEO Wang Jin Hunan Sheng from Inner Mongolia Coal Mine, CEO Zhao Gangbo of an investment firm, and senior leadership from associated partner organizations including Oasis, along with Chairman Muhammad Abid of Sunder Green Group and other executives.
Moreover, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the Punjab government was committed to providing the best possible healthcare and treatment facilities to people.
In her message on World Health Day, she underscored the importance of awareness regarding balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and disease prevention, urging citizens to take proper care of both physical and mental health to lead a healthy life.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz directed PERA to regulate LPG prices across the province and gave a two-week deadline to improve the cleanliness situation.
She sought a report within 24 hours to determine transport fares per kilometer and directed officials to consider launching free transport in 17 districts where public transport is unavailable.
During the meeting, the impact of global oil prices on transport fares was reviewed, and a detailed report was presented. Prices of 23 essential food items, including onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, and pulses, were also reviewed across all districts including Lahore.