Gujranwala: CM launches two e-bus routes, inspects mass transit corridor project

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday launched two electric bus routes in Gujranwala and inspected the ongoing Gujranwala Mass Transit Corridor Project, directing authorities to complete the scheme by March.

The Chief Minister reviewed the mass transit project, including its underpass, tunnel and road infrastructure, and was briefed on the progress of the project.

The two e-bus routes will initially operate from Chan da Qila to Lohianwala and from Khiali to Jinnah/Nandipur. A total of 74 electric buses will eventually operate in Gujranwala once the required infrastructure is completed.

The Chief Minister said there was no room for further delay in completing the mass transit project, acknowledging the difficulties being faced by the people because of the prolonged construction work.

During her visit, the Chief Minister also stopped her vehicle after seeing a group of young students and interacted with them. She distributed sweets, fruit and gifts among the children.

The Chief Minister also inspected the proposed site of the Maryam Nawaz Institute of Cardiology in Gujranwala and directed the authorities to start construction at the earliest.

The 268-bed cardiac institute will be built on 50 kanals and will have an emergency department, coronary care unit, intensive care unit and modern operation theatres.

The facility will also include angiography catheterisation laboratories, CT scan, ultrasound and gamma camera facilities. A 3-Tesla MRI and an ultra-fast CT scanner will also be installed.

The institute will have two single-plane and one biplane angiography machines, four modular operation theatres and four heart-lung machines, according to the briefing.

Moreover, the CM visited the residence of late former MNA Mahmood Bashir Virk in Gujranwala and met his widow, sons, daughters and other family members to express her condolences over his death.

The Chief Minister offered Fateha and prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and patience for the bereaved family. She paid tribute to the services rendered by Mahmood Bashir Virk for the country and the nation.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that with the death of Mahmood Bashir Virk, PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had lost a loyal companion, while she had been deprived of the affection and guidance of a caring elder.

She said Mahmood Bashir Virk’s services for the Pakistan Muslim League-N would always be remembered. He remained loyal to the party through good and difficult times, she added.

The Chief Minister said Mahmood Bashir Virk was a caring elder and a valuable asset for the people and workers of Gujranwala.

“May Almighty enable Mahmood Bashir Virk’s son, Rashid Bashir Virk, to carry forward his father’s political legacy in the best possible manner,” she said, adding that the loss of parents could never be compensated throughout one’s life.

The bereaved family, including Mahmood Bashir Virk’s widow and son Rashid Bashir Virk, thanked CM Maryam Nawaz for visiting them.

Rashid Bashir Virk said they would always remember the support extended by Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his daughter during their difficult time.

Later, CM Maryam Nawaz also met members of the provincial assembly, party ticket-holders and party leaders at the residence of the late Mahmood Bashir Virk.

The Chief Minister individually greeted the party leaders and lawmakers and inquired about their well-being. She discussed various matters with the lawmakers and party leaders and sought their suggestions and updates regarding their issues.

The CM also expressed appreciation for the ongoing successful operations by security forces in North Waziristan.

The Chief Minister paid tribute to the security forces for killing seven terrorists during an operation in Eidak, North Waziristan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026