LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif yesterday said that Pakistan’s journey toward progress and prosperity has only just begun and that the government aims to accelerate development through unity and collective effort. He made these remarks while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mass Transit Transport System in Gujranwala, a milestone initiative expected to significantly improve mobility and economic activity in the region.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and a large gathering of local residents. Speaking to the audience, the prime minister praised the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and said the recent by-election victories of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were a result of the Punjab government’s effective governance and commitment to public welfare.
Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government will work tirelessly over the next three years to continue driving the country forward. He expressed confidence that the PML-N will secure an even stronger mandate in the next general elections, building on the progress achieved during the party’s current tenure.
Highlighting the significance of the Gujranwala Mass Transit Transport System, the prime minister said the project represents a major gift from the Punjab government. He noted that the modern transport network would transform the district by providing accessible and efficient travel for students, labourers, patients, lawyers and thousands of daily commuters. According to the prime minister, the new system will reduce travel time and improve connectivity across the city, contributing to economic growth and social development.
Shehbaz Sharif also reflected on the legacy of Nawaz Sharif, saying the journey of development in Pakistan began in 1985 under his leadership. He credited Nawaz Sharif with launching key projects in road networks, health care and education at a time when political discourse was largely dominated by slogans rather than action. The prime minister said that Nawaz Sharif’s achievements, including making Pakistan a nuclear power, would always hold a prominent place in the country’s history.
He further praised ongoing initiatives in Punjab, such as the construction of a cancer hospital, metro bus services, pollution control programmes, housing schemes for the homeless and improvements in school infrastructure. He said these accomplishments stand as undeniable evidence of the government’s dedication to public service.
Addressing the crowd, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the 31.2-kilometre Gujranwala metro bus corridor will be completed within 12 months at a cost of Rs63 billion. She also announced that another major metro project will soon begin in Faisalabad. The chief minister highlighted the government’s initiatives for farmers, labourers, women and youth, while also criticising the negative political tactics of opponents.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both federal and provincial leadership to continue delivering large-scale public development projects across Punjab.
