GUJRAT: The Punjab transport department has decided to extend the Gujranwala metro bus route up to Gakhar Mandi town from Aimenabad Mor as some 1,009 buses would be provided for the metro bus main route as well as the feeder routes.

Moreover, the department has recommended further extension in the route up to Kamoke town for which the respective authorities have been directed to prepare the feasibility report.

This was stated by Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar while chairing an official meeting to review the preparations for the launch of metro bus route in Gujranwala on Thursday.

Secretary (transport) Imran Sikandar Baloch, Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Sheerazi, Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, City Police Officer (CPO) Ayaz Saleem and others were also present at the meeting.

He said as Gujranwala had been one of the big urban centres of Punjab and was known for being an industrial and business hub, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had approved the launching of metro bus service by keeping in view the requirements of its population.

He said at least four depots for the parking of these buses would be built along GT road at different locations and the sites had already been selected.

He said the proposal for the establishment of underground bus stations along the route was also under consideration whereas the width of GT road would also be enhanced [where required] as well as flyovers might also be constructed [at several locations].

Secretary Imran Sikandar said the CM had also directed the department to ply the feeder buses between Lahore and Gujranwala whereas the project of metro bus service might be completed within the next one year.

The meeting asked the authorities concerned to complete whatever respective tasks they had been given so far for the launching of the project as an uninterrupted power supply would also be ensured for the metro bus route.

ASPHYXIATED: A woman was killed through asphyxiation by her husband and his family in Rehmatabad locality in Lalamusa city police precincts.

Reports said Tehmeena of Malka village had married Hamza Shahid of Lalamusa city around seven years ago.

However, she would often complain to her brothers about the alleged callous behaviour of her in-laws.

Tehmeena’s brother Taimoor Malik, an official at Kharrian assistant commissioner office, lodged a complaint with the Lalamusa city police, alleging that his sister had been murdered through asphyxiation and physical torture by her husband and his two brothers and a sister over some domestic dispute.

Police have registered a case against four nominated and an unidentified suspects under sections 302, 109 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code on the report of the complainant and started investigation.

Police are yet to arrest the suspects involved in the incident.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2025