TAXILA: The Punjab government on Wednesday rolled out a fleet of nine electric buses under Green Transport Initiative, bringing affordable, safe and environmentally friendly public transport to the district for the first time.

Launched initially on two major routes, the project aims to provide cleaner mobility while offering free travel to students, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, reflecting.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where participants watched Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s address via live broadcast. The launch marks the first phase of the electric bus project in Attock and is being viewed as a key step in the Punjab government’s efforts to modernise public transport and promote clean energy solutions.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister said providing affordable, high-quality, safe and environmentally friendly transport remained one of her government’s top priorities. She said the introduction of electric buses would improve the commuting experience while helping reduce carbon emissions and environmental pollution, contributing to a cleaner Punjab.

Nine buses launched on two routes, free travel announced for students, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities

The ceremony was attended by Member of the National Assembly Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Chairman WASA Punjab Chaudhry Sher Ali, Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza, District Police Officer Attock Sardar Mowarahn Khan, former provincial minister for sports Jahangir Khanzada, former member of the Punjab Assembly Sardar Iftikhar Ahmed Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Aneel Saeed, Assistant Commissioner Attock Arif Qureshi, Secretary Regional Transport Authority Sardar Zaheer Ahmed Khan, PML-N leader Khalida Rana, senior government officials and other guests.

Officials said nine electric buses had been allocated to Attock in the first phase of the project. The buses will operate on two routes. The first will run from POF Sanjwal Barrier No. 2 to Hazro via Bab-i-Attock, covering 26 bus stops, while the second will operate between Government College of Technology, Dhok Fateh, and Attock Khurd, covering 19 bus stops.

Travel on the buses will remain free for students, women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed described the project as a historic welfare initiative and a valuable gift for the people of Attock. He said it would provide comfortable and economical transport while easing commuting problems. He also highlighted other Punjab government initiatives, including the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar housing scheme, easy loan programmes, farmer-friendly policies, laptop distribution among students and other development projects.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza said the district administration was ensuring the timely implementation of all development and welfare initiatives launched by the Punjab government. He said the electric bus service would modernise the district’s transport system while promoting environmentally sustainable travel and reducing pollution.

Former provincial minister Jahangir Khanzada said Punjab was witnessing rapid progress in development, infrastructure and public welfare under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He said initiatives such as the electric bus service, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar, education reforms, easy financing schemes and laptop distribution programmes were benefiting ordinary citizens.

Chairman Wasa Punjab Chaudhry Sher Ali said the provincial government was focusing on strengthening urban infrastructure and improving public services.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026