DG KHAN: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday inaugurated the province’s first electro-electric bus service in Dera Ghazi Khan, reaffirming her government’s commitment to providing modern and environment-friendly public transport across Punjab.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Chief Minister dismissed repeated calls by PPP leadership to seek international aid for flood recovery, accusing them of exploiting a natural disaster for political mileage. “I am Nawaz Sharif’s daughter. I won’t beg for charity,” she declared, adding that she would not allow anyone to raise a finger at Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz also criticized politicians who campaign on the slogan of a separate South Punjab province. “Those chanting the slogan of south Punjab have nothing for southern Punjab. I am the Chief Minister of entire Punjab — not southern, northern, or central,” she said. Responding to allegations of centralization in Lahore, she quipped: “If there is a Takht-e-Lahore, then there are Takht-e-Multan, Takht-e-Bahawalpur, Takht-e-Rahim Yar Khan, Takht-e-Dera Ghazi Khan, Takht-e-Mianwali, and Takht-e-Rawalpindi as well.”
Taking aim at the traditional political elite, she remarked that while she often sits on the ground to eat with the people, others prefer occupying chairs for TV appearances, projecting a false image of humility.
Climate Change & Public Transport
The launch of the electric bus service aligns with Pakistan’s broader climate commitments. Only a day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced at the UN Climate Summit 2025 that Pakistan would increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 62% by 2035, while shifting 30% of public transport to clean energy sources by 2030.
Maryam said the electric bus project was a step toward that vision, providing modern, green transport to citizens of Punjab. She also warned that strict action would be taken against those who attempted to damage the new buses, after incidents of stone-throwing were reported in some cities.
Flood Relief & BISP Debate
Addressing criticism over not utilizing the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for flood rehabilitation, the Chief Minister argued that BISP’s Rs10,000 assistance was inadequate for families who had lost homes worth millions. “We will provide Rs1,000,000 to every person whose house was destroyed,” she announced, questioning why Punjab’s financial resources should not be used for its own people.
She urged President Asif Ali Zardari to rein in PPP spokespersons but clarified that she did not wish to engage in political mudslinging over BISP or Sindh’s affairs.
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Four Routes for DG Khan Division
The new electric bus service will operate on four routes within DG Khan, offering modern, comfortable, and eco-friendly transport options to residents. Out of 200 new buses inducted into the system, 101 have been allocated to the DG Khan division: 24 for DG Khan city, 17 for Muzaffargarh, and 15 each for Layyah, Rajanpur, Taunsa, and Kot Addu.
During the ceremony, an elderly woman presented Maryam Nawaz with a handmade shawl as a token of respect, which she immediately wore, describing it as a symbol of the love and trust of South Punjab’s people.
In a message later shared on X, the Chief Minister directed drivers and conductors to treat passengers with kindness, while supporters showered flowers on the newly launched buses.
