Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, recently inaugurated the Chief Minister Transport Program for Women, providing dedicated bus services to girls’ colleges across the province. This initiative, launched with 76 buses, aims to facilitate easy and safe transportation for female students, initially distributing 19 buses in its first phase.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab announcement issued on 07 October 2024, the program was kicked off with a ceremonial handing over of bus keys to the principals of 19 women’s colleges. During the inauguration, Chief Minister Sharif was presented with a bouquet by students and inspected the new buses, considering a proposal to upgrade these to air-conditioned vehicles for enhanced comfort. Dr. Farrukh Naveed, Secretary Higher Education, briefed her extensively about the implementation phases of the transport program.

The program rollout is planned in three phases, targeting a total of 76 colleges. The first phase focuses on 19 tehsils previously underserved by public transport. The subsequent phases will extend services to additional tehsils, with a goal to reach all designated locations by March-April 2025. Distinguished guests including Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, and MPA Sania Ashiq joined the Chief Minister for this significant launch.