Maryam Nawaz Launches Women’s Transport Program in Punjab

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the mobility of female students, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Chief Minister Transport Programme for Women. This initiative, which features 76 buses designated for girls’ colleges across Punjab, marks a crucial step towards ensuring that young women have access to reliable transportation for their education.

During the inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, the Chief Minister personally interacted with students from various women’s colleges. As a gesture of appreciation, the students presented her with a bouquet. The event saw the CM calling several students on stage, where she officially handed over the keys of the buses to the principals of 19 women’s colleges. This first phase of the program is particularly focused on tehsils that have been deprived of adequate transport facilities.

The 19 tehsils benefiting from this initiative include Bhakkar, Sialkot, Chiniot, Kamalia, Hasilpur, Malakwal, Ferozewala, Shorekot, Jatoi, Fateh Jang, Hasan Abdal, Kot Momin, Jalalpur Pirwala, Kallar Syedan, Pindi Ghep, Manchanabad, and Sharqpur. The Chief Minister was briefed by Secretary Higher Education Dr. Farrukh Naveed, who outlined the program's three-phase rollout. In the second phase, additional buses will be provided to girls’ colleges in Nowshera Virkan, Dina, Yazman, Pindi Bhattian, Lalian, Bhawana, Kot Addu, Taxila, Sarai Alamgir, and Pelaan, with completion expected by February 2025. The third phase will see the addition of 2 more buses and 32 coaches for 35 more tehsils by March-April 2025.

In addition to her focus on education, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also addressed the pressing issue of Palestine during the ceremony. She expressed her deep concern over the plight of the Palestinian people, stating, "The problem of Palestine is not only the problem of Palestinians, but of the entire world." She emphasized Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestine and highlighted the government's commitment to raising awareness about the rights of Palestinians on international platforms.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister engaged in discussions with the Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, H.E Mr. Manuel Frederico Pinheiro Da Silva, to explore opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including education, health, IT, agriculture, and tourism. She expressed a desire to learn from Portugal's experiences and enhance diplomatic ties, stating, "We value our diplomatic ties with Portugal, and will strive to promote our mutual relations further." This initiative reflects a broader strategy to attract foreign investment and improve the economic landscape of Punjab.

In a separate statement, CM Maryam Nawaz praised the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for its successful operation against militants in Mianwali, which resulted in the elimination of seven terrorists. She reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating, "The war against terrorism will continue until it is completely eradicated." This highlights the government's dual focus on both education and security, aiming to create a safer environment for all citizens.

The Chief Minister's initiatives not only aim to improve transportation for female students but also reflect a broader commitment to social justice and international cooperation. By investing in education and addressing global issues, the Punjab government is taking significant steps towards building a more equitable society. As these programs unfold, they hold the potential to empower young women and foster a sense of community and support that is essential for the progress of any society.