- Directs officials to complete all formalities for Air Punjab’s first phase without delay
- Lahore–Islamabad set as airline’s initial route as modern aircraft to be leased for service
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday directed concerned officials to make Air Punjab operational at the earliest, emphasizing that all formalities for the first phase of the project be completed without delay.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore, the chief minister instructed authorities to expedite work on the flagship provincial airline and ensure that modern, comfortable aircraft are acquired on lease to provide passengers with quality and convenience.
The participants agreed that Lahore–Islamabad would serve as the airline’s initial flight route, marking the first operational corridor for Air Punjab.
Reviewing progress on the Murree Glass Train Project, CM Maryam instructed officials to take practical and timely steps to ensure the initiative’s swift execution.
Maryam Nawaz had earlier announced Air Punjab as a regional carrier aimed at providing affordable and reliable air travel connecting major cities across the province, with a focus on accessibility, comfort, and regional connectivity.
Airlift Drone for Flood Rescue
In a related development, the Punjab government recently introduced the country’s first airlift drone, designed to assist in rescuing flood-affected people.
Officials said the advanced drone can airlift a person weighing up to 200 kilograms and safely move them to secure locations. The Home Secretary directed that the drone be dispatched to Multan for immediate deployment in ongoing flood rescue operations.
Before its field use, the Civil Defence Department successfully conducted test flights in Lahore, confirming the drone’s operational readiness. Authorities have also decided to procure 10 additional drones to strengthen disaster response and emergency services across Punjab.
‘Performance Visible to All’: Azma Bokhari
Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is openly presenting her government’s performance before the people through social media to ensure transparency and accountability.
She noted that those who cannot present records of their own work are the ones most vocal in criticizing others’ achievements.
“Punjab is witnessing rapid progress under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership,” Bokhari said, citing the rehabilitation of public schools, construction of roads, establishment of hospitals, environmental improvement, expansion of the ‘Suthra Punjab’ initiative, and the provision of modern transport facilities as examples of visible development.
The minister emphasized that the people of Punjab are directly benefiting from these wide-ranging reforms across social and service sectors.
“It is an open challenge — if anyone has real performance to show, let them bring it forward,” Bokhari remarked. “Those who actually work are visible — and their work pains those who don’t.”
She added that the entire nation takes pride in the vision and tireless efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying her pro-people policies and swift decision-making have brought visible change to Punjab’s governance landscape.
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