LAHORE, April 8, 2026: The Punjab government has approved free transport in 17 districts as part of a broader relief package aimed at reducing commuting costs and easing financial pressure on the public. The initiative will begin with pilot projects in Gujranwala, Multan and Sialkot.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where officials reviewed the impact of fuel prices on transport fares and discussed measures to control inflation and improve service delivery across the province.
Authorities have been asked to submit a report within 24 hours on per-kilometre transport fares to support the rollout of the initiative, which is expected to benefit daily commuters in selected districts.
Price control and essential items review
Officials presented a district-wise assessment of 23 essential food items, including vegetables, fruits and pulses. The review found that flour prices in Punjab remain lower than in other provinces, with significant differences compared to Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Stocks of key items such as lentils and gram were reported to be sufficient, while prices of most pulses, fruits and vegetables were described as comparatively stable. Authorities were directed to review official price rates and ensure strict regulation of LPG prices, alongside measures to prevent hoarding.
Civic safety and enforcement measures
The chief minister raised concerns over incidents linked to open drainage and stagnant water, directing assistant commissioners to conduct immediate surveys across streets. Commissioners have been tasked with submitting daily reports with photographic evidence, and unsafe conditions will be treated as administrative failure.
Instructions were also issued to address key urban management areas, including tree plantation, dog bite cases, zebra crossings, street lighting and maintenance of green belts.
Sanitation, beautification and deadlines
Progress on beautification and infrastructure projects across districts was reviewed, with a deadline set for completion by June. Improvements in Faisalabad and Attock were noted, while sanitation concerns in Jhang prompted orders for immediate corrective action within 24 hours and broader improvement within two weeks.
Cleanliness drives under the Suthra Punjab programme are also being resumed, with a renewed focus on maintaining hygiene standards in public spaces, including graveyards.
AI-based monitoring system launched
To strengthen oversight, the government has introduced AI-supported digital mapping to monitor sanitation workers in real time across union councils. The system is aimed at improving accountability and ensuring consistent service delivery.
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