During a session of the Punjab Assembly chaired by Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar on Thursday, the Punjab government unveiled its initiative to introduce hybrid and electric buses in Lahore, the provincial capital, as well as other cities by the end of the year.
Transport Minister Bilal Akbar disclosed that Lahore would be the recipient of 27 electric buses, while hybrid buses would be allocated to other cities across the province.
However, concerns were raised by opposition members regarding the exclusive allocation of buses to Lahore. Retired Brig Mushtaq Ahmed highlighted the apparent neglect of other cities in Punjab in terms of transportation facilities, expressing that financial resources seemed disproportionately concentrated in Lahore.
Rana Aftab, another opposition member, emphasized the need to address traffic congestion in metropolitan areas. While acknowledging the government’s initiative to introduce buses, Aftab stressed the importance of simultaneously improving traffic systems.
Additionally, opposition members including Awais Virk, Hafiz Farhat Abbas, and Rana Aftab Ahmed Khan raised issues concerning police performance through various notices.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman presented the annual reports of the Punjab Information Commission and the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) during the session.
Upon the completion of the agenda, Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal adjourned the session until 2 pm on Friday.
