In response to the recent reduction in petrol prices, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a directive to lower transport fares across the province. This decision follows her displeasure over the unchanged fares despite a significant 35 rupee decrease in petrol prices.
Urgent Meeting Held on Saturday
On Saturday, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz convened a special meeting, despite it being a day off. The meeting was attended by provincial secretaries, senior police officers, and administrative officials. During the session, the Chief Minister expressed her frustration with the Ministry of Transport for not adjusting transport fares in line with the reduced petrol prices. She emphasized that the relief provided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s petrol price cut must be passed on to the public through reduced transport fares.
Maryam Nawaz instructed the Ministry of Transport and the police to initiate operations aimed at an immediate reduction in transport fares. Additionally, she directed the Inspection Commission to take swift actions to ensure compliance.
Ensuring Price Stability for Essential Goods
The Chief Minister also warned relevant authorities to maintain government-set prices for essential items, including bread and transport fares. She stressed that any negligence in this matter would not be tolerated.
In preparation for Eid-ul-Adha, Maryam Nawaz has ordered the timely cleaning of animal waste and the provision of shaded areas in cattle markets to protect animals from the sun. For the first time, the government has distributed 3.2 million special plastic-free bags to the public for the distribution of sacrificial meat.
The Chief Minister has instructed authorities to ensure the availability of veterinary doctors and essential facilities like water in cattle markets. She emphasized that the cleanliness standards should be as high as those during Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure.
Safety Measures for Public Holidays
Maryam Nawaz has also directed the deployment of lifeguards at canals across the province during the holidays to ensure public safety. Furthermore, she has ordered the development of an effective traffic management plan to prevent traffic jams, taking strict notice of a severe traffic jam at Thokar Niaz Baig the previous day.
The Chief Minister has mandated strict measures to ensure law and order throughout the province. She assured that she would personally monitor all situations, even during the holidays, to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
