Latest news with #AirPunjab
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Air Punjab and the Bullet Train
The spirit of hard work and dedication to public service is a legacy Maryam Nawaz has proudly inherited. Her father, former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, launched numerous welfare initiatives during his tenure, from which millions continue to benefit to this day. In Punjab, the Orange Line and Metro Bus services stand as successful examples of his vision. Now, under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, new projects like Air Punjab, the Bullet Train, and the Yellow Line are set to usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the province. While electric bikes and buses are already operating across Punjab, the 'Clean Punjab' mega initiative is rapidly transforming the province's cities and towns. Even critics now acknowledge that under this programme, cleanliness and improved sanitation are evident even in remote rural areas — a remarkable achievement of the Maryam Nawaz administration. Maryam Nawaz's government is not only swiftly delivering public welfare projects but also making bold, historic decisions. Recently, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced two landmark initiatives: the launch of Pakistan's first provincial airline, Air Punjab, and the introduction of Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train. In a special cabinet meeting, she formally approved both projects. Initially, four aircraft will be leased for Air Punjab, with domestic flights commencing immediately. In its second year, Air Punjab plans to expand operations internationally. Maryam Nawaz has directed that Air Punjab be developed into Pakistan's premier airline. Simultaneously, a decision was made to operate Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, reducing travel time between the two cities to just two and a half hours. The Chief Minister has entrusted Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb with the special task of overseeing the Bullet Train project. In this regard, Marriyum Aurangzeb has held key meetings with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, and railways officials have briefed her on technical and operational aspects. The proposed Bullet Train route will pass through Lahore, Shahdara, Narowal, Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, Lodhran, Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, Shorkot, Jhang, Sargodha, Lalamusa via Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Chak Jhumra, and Shahinabad. Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed that the feasibility study for the Yellow Line project, connecting Jinnah Terminal (Thokar Niaz Baig) to Harbanspura, be completed by May 30. Similarly, the feasibility study for the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line must be finalised by June 15. Important decisions regarding the E-Taxi project have also been made, signalling Punjab's rapid march towards modern and eco-friendly transportation solutions. While Punjab accelerates towards modernity, other provinces present a stark contrast. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, people still rely on makeshift cable crossings (dolis) to traverse rivers, and in Sindh, public transportation outside of Karachi is almost nonexistent. Against this backdrop, Maryam Nawaz's vision is to transform Punjab into a truly modern and developed province. Recently, at an international conference in Türkiye, Lahore was officially declared a 'Tourism City.' To further enhance Lahore's historic beauty, the Punjab government has formed a special committee with Mian Nawaz Sharif himself serving as Patron-in-Chief. His deep love for Lahore is well-known, and he has personally taken responsibility for the city's restoration. Lahore enjoys a unique identity on the global stage. However, to elevate it further, urban management standards must match international benchmarks. The city's cleanliness, lush green spaces, modern transport systems, and well-developed road infrastructure have already contributed to its reputation among the world's most beautiful cities. Citizens, too, must fulfil their responsibility in preserving Lahore's charm. If the Yellow Line is constructed along the Lahore Canal, the city could soon join the ranks of global metropolises like Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, Paris, and London. The Lahore Canal, a signature landmark of the city's beauty, will be further enhanced by this project. One of Maryam Nawaz's defining traits is her proactive leadership style. Her projects do not remain trapped in bureaucratic files; she personally monitors progress and ensures effective delivery. As a result, her team performs with full commitment and responsibility, helping to translate her vision into reality. (The writer is the PRO of Information Minister Punjab) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Gulf News
27-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Pakistan: Bullet train and Air Punjab plans approved
Dubai: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved two major transport initiatives aimed at transforming the province's infrastructure. Maryam approved Pakistan's first provincial airline, Air Punjab, and a high-speed bullet train between Lahore and Rawalpindi. In a high-level review meeting on Saturday, Chief Minister Maryam gave the formal go-ahead for Air Punjab, which will initially focus on domestic routes. Four Airbus aircraft will be leased immediately, with operations expected to begin within eight to twelve months. Once operational for a year, the airline aims to expand internationally, aspiring to set new benchmarks in passenger service. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed the development during a press conference, noting that the idea of Air Punjab was proposed after the federal government failed to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). 'No one had even thought of launching a provincial airline,' Bokhari remarked, adding that licensing and leasing processes have been fast-tracked. Bullet train Chief Minister Maryam also approved the much-anticipated Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train project, which is expected to reduce travel time between the two major cities to just two and a half hours. A public-private partnership model is under consideration for its execution, with Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb tasked to coordinate with Pakistan Railways. Six more high speed trains The chief minister further directed feasibility studies for six additional high-speed train routes across Punjab, including Lahore–Shahdara–Narowal and Faisalabad–Chak Jhumra–Shaheenabad. The studies are due by May 30 and June 15 for different projects. Progress was also reviewed on mass transit developments such as the Lahore Yellow Line and Gujranwala Mass Transit Line. The CM emphasised timely completion and modernisation of public transport, including the upcoming e-taxi service aimed at upgrading urban mobility. In line with her broader development vision, CM Maryam has also launched beautification and clean-up campaigns across the Rawalpindi Division. Major operations have been carried out on Murree Road, targeting illegal bus stands, encroachments, and drug hotspots.
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Air Punjab to lease 4 planes
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to launch Pakistan's first provincial airline, 'Air Punjab, and approved in principle a plan to initiate the Lahore-Rawalpindi bullet train project. Chairing a meeting for a detailed briefing on the plans, she directed the authorities to immediately lease four Airbus planes for Air Punjab. She said the airline would initially start flights within the country. After the completion of a year, Air Punjab will also be able to start foreign flights. She directed the relevant authorities to immediately make arrangements to lease latest aircraft for the airline. She also directed them to make arrangements to make Air Punjab the best airline in the country. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also informed, "The journey time from Lahore to Rawalpindi through bullet train will be reduced to about two and a half hours." She reviewed various options for running the bullet train in collaboration with Pakistan Railways, and assigned Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb the task in this regard. Directing the authorities to take steps for launching Pakistan's first bullet train, the chief minister said, "The option of public-private partnership for the bullet train project is also being considered." She also sought plans for launching high-speed trains on six more routes in Punjab. The routes are Lahore-Shahdara-Narowal, Lahore-Raiwind-Kasur-Pakpattan-Lodhran, Sheikhupurat-Jaranwala-Shorkot, Shorkot-Jhang-Sargodha, Lala Musa-Sargodha via Malikwal and Faisalabad-Chak Jhumra-Shaheenabad. The chief minister also reviewed the Lahore Yellow Line and Gugranwala Mass Transit Line projects. She set the deadline of May 30 to complete the feasibility study for the Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspora Yellow Line, and June 15 for the Gujranwala Mass Transit project. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also briefed in detail about an e-taxi project. Meanwhile, Member of Provincial Assembly Malik Noshir Khan Langrial met the chief minister and thanked her for the launch of the Multan-Vehari road project. "The completion of Multan-Vehari road will benefit millions of people living in four adjoining districts," he said. The CM said the promise of providing free medicines to patients will be fulfilled at all cost. Tourism capital "Lahore, a city of history, heritage and love, has been declared 'Tourism Capital 2027' at the sixth ECO Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Erzurum, Turkiye," said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in a message of gratitude on a social networking website. She added, "With its magnificent historical heritage, colourful culture and immense potential, Lahore is ready to welcome the world." The chief minister said, "As ECO Tourism Capital 2027, Lahore is going to be an attractive centre of tourism on the global stage. We deeply thank ECO countries for choosing Lahore as ECO Tourism Capital 2027." She vowed to bring the beauty of Pakistan, Punjab and Lahore to the world with the trust, support and cooperation of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab to launch Air Punjab and Pakistan's first bullet train: Azma Bokhari
Listen to article Punjab's Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Saturday announced two major infrastructure projects — the launch of a provincial airline named Air Punjab and Pakistan's first bullet train from Lahore to Rawalpindi — while sharply criticising India's leadership over tensions in Kashmir. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bokhari described the airline and high-speed rail as 'historic initiatives' by a provincial government. 'Air Punjab will initially lease four aircraft and operate domestically. Within a year, we hope to acquire an international air license,' she said. She also announced a bullet train project between Lahore and Rawalpindi, stating the route will cover the distance in just 2 hours and 20 minutes. Additional routes across the province are also planned. 'This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a provincial government is launching its own airline and bullet train network,' Bokhari said. A glass train between Rawalpindi and Murree is also in the pipeline, she added. Turning to India-Pakistan relations, Bokhari condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of following 'Israeli tactics' in Kashmir and attempting to destabilise the region through false flag operations. Referring to a recent incident in Indian-administered Kashmir's Pahalgam area, she rejected Indian allegations of Pakistani involvement and called it a pre-planned narrative by New Delhi. 'Modi is trying to turn Kashmir into another Gaza. India is no longer a democracy — it has become the world's largest killing field for Muslims and minorities,' she said. Bokhari recalled the Jaffar Express terror attack in Pakistan, stating that India had never condemned the incident despite clear evidence. She said Pakistan's military had swiftly neutralised the attackers and rescued hostages. Slamming Indian water threats, Bokhari warned that any attempt by India to choke Pakistan's water supply under the Indus Waters Treaty would be met with severe retaliation. 'The Indus Waters Treaty is not a tea stall for Modi to dismantle. Pakistan will respond to the first brick of any dam with stone,' she warned. She labelled Modi a 'global terrorist' and claimed that every time he comes to power, global peace deteriorates. 'Wars are not won by weapons, but by the spirit of sacrifice. If the state declares jihad, every Pakistani becomes a soldier,' she declared. The minister concluded by calling for national unity and preparedness in the face of Indian aggression, reminding that Pakistan had responded decisively in the past, including nuclear tests in 1998 after India's provocations.
