The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has rejected a proposal to increase electric bus fares in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, reaffirming its commitment to keeping eco-friendly transport affordable for the public.
The decision was made during the 30th Punjab cabinet meeting, where several key public welfare and development initiatives were discussed. The move aligns with the government’s green transport policy and economic relief agenda for citizens amid inflationary pressures.
Chairing the meeting, Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the electric bus service represents Punjab’s shift toward a sustainable, modern public transport network, ensuring low-cost mobility for all.
“Public convenience remains our top priority. We will not allow fare hikes that burden citizens,” said the Chief Minister.
The cabinet also approved the recruitment of School Teacher Interns to overcome teacher shortages in public schools and endorsed the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, following the principle “One who possesses it owns it.”
In agriculture, the Chief Minister’s High-Tech Farm Mechanisation Finance Programme was approved, offering a 60% subsidy on modern machinery like super seeders to promote mechanised farming. Over 10,000 applications, including 1,500 through the Bank of Punjab, have already been received.
The government also announced that the sugarcane crushing season will begin on November 15, while Rs100 billion has been disbursed under Kisan Card Phase-II. Officials confirmed that fertilizer prices and supplies are being monitored to support farmers.
Experts say the fare decision strengthens Punjab’s green mobility and public welfare initiatives, setting a precedent for sustainable urban transport policy.