Five-year term too short for massive public service agenda: CM Maryam Nawaz

• Punjab CM launches e-Taxi Scheme, announces Green Bus Service for every tehsil

• Says over 30pc quota reserved for women drivers with Rs4b subsidy; 1,100 electric taxis in first phase

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while addressing the ceremony of the e-Taxi Scheme, announced the launch of the Green Bus Service in every tehsil of Punjab, and said that the trackless train project would also be launched soon in the province.

“Punjab is the first province to introduce the e-Taxi scheme, and I am grateful to Allah Almighty for its successful launch,” the chief minister said, describing the e-taxi as an environment-friendly vehicle.

𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐞-𝐓𝐚𝐱𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 is launching today under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab @MaryamNSharif marking a major step towards clean mobility, employment generation, and inclusive transport opportunities.
𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝟭,𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗲-𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗶𝘀,… pic.twitter.com/dNml1qyBoi

— Transport & Masstransit Deptt (Punjab), Pakistan (@TransportDeptt) February 26, 2026

She said the scheme would play a vital role in generating employment opportunities, particularly for women.

The chief minister remarked that five years is a very short period for public service, given the magnitude of work and limited time available. “My desire is to serve the people in such a way that my name is remembered with respect in history,” she added.

Expressing satisfaction over allocating more than 30 per cent quota for women under the e-Taxi scheme, she said women often hesitate to enter taxi driving due to fear. “I urge the women of Punjab to remove fear from their hearts. The government stands with every mother, sister and daughter. No one needs to feel threatened,” she said, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to harm women.

She noted that women were now working shoulder to shoulder with men and appreciated Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan and Secretary Transport Imran Sikandar Baloch for their efforts. She said the green electric buses had revolutionised Punjab’s transport system and had become a model for others. As many as 1,500 buses are being added, with another 1,100 set to join the fleet. Work is under way on metro bus projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, while students, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are being provided free travel on green buses.

The chief minister said the government is providing a subsidy of Rs4 billion under the e-Taxi scheme. In the first phase, 1,100 electric vehicles will be distributed. The Punjab government will pay 60 per cent down payment for women drivers and 50 per cent for men. She said the scheme could enable drivers to earn between Rs150,000 and Rs200,000 per month.

Referring to inflation, she said the upward trend witnessed in 2024 had stabilised in 2025 and was now declining in 2026. Across Punjab, a 10kg bag of flour is available at Rs950, while a 20kg bag costs Rs1,850. Prices of onions, tomatoes and other essential items have declined, while vegetables and pulses have been made affordable to ensure that no one sleeps hungry.

She announced that anyone who had not received a ration card or assistance under the Negahban programme could call helpline 1000 and would receive help within 24 hours. “My mission is to ensure that every citizen receives their due right and no household in Punjab sleeps hungry,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz said that 4.2 million families and 250,000 individuals had received Rs10,000 each under the Negahban Ramazan package. With the support of philanthropists, 450 Negahban dastarkhwans are serving more than 125,000 people daily, including attendants of patients in hospital lawns.

She said cardiac care facilities had been expanded across districts, with angiography and angioplasty now available at cath labs in every district. In emergency cases, patients are being shifted through air ambulance services. Free ambulance services have also been introduced for shifting deceased persons from hospitals, making Punjab the first province to offer such a facility.

Highlighting environmental improvements, the chief minister said significant progress had been made in controlling smog and environmental pollution. Continuous monitoring is under way, and smog-control measures have yielded visible results, leading to improved public health indicators.

CM COMMENDS SECURITY FORCES FOR ELIMINATING 34 TERRORISTS

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating 34 terrorists in operations carried out in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

She commended the security forces for foiling an infiltration attempt along the Pak-Afghan border and lauded their professional response and vigilance.

The chief minister said that maintaining peace remains the top priority and made it clear that no one would be allowed to spread terrorism or disturb law and order in the country.