Following a successful launch in Lahore, the Punjab government has decided to grant a similar fleet of 150 CNG public buses for Faisalabad to overcome the growing transport problems of Faisalabad, the third largest city of the country. The announcement was made by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif during a meeting with members of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Wednesday.
The CM said CNG buses were likely to be commissioned in three to four months and project would be financed by the Punjab government, while the FCCI would be responsible for the operation of the bus service.
The CM announced the construction of a state-of-the-art international kabaddi stadium and football stadium in Faisalabad for the promotion of sports. Shahbaz directed DCO Nasim Sadiq and Divisional Commissioner Tahir Hussain to identify the land for the proposed stadiums and forward a feasibility report within a week. He also advised city government officials to set up multi-storey parking plazas in commercial areas of the city to address parking problems of the people. “Faisalabad is playing a vital role for the national economy through its textile industry, which is the biggest source of foreign exchange for the country,” Shahbaz said during his informal meeting with FCCI members.
He appreciated the contribution of the business community towards financing of Shahbaz Nagar, a low cost housing scheme introduced for the poor in Punjab. The CM earlier inaugurated a drinking water project for the people of Faisalabad at Samundary Road. The multi-million dollar project started under the patronage of the French government and was completed in three years. The CM said the clean water project was more than enough for the daily requirements of the residents of the city.
Commenting on the formation of the Lahore High Court (LHC) bench in Faisalabad, Shahbaz confirmed that the recommendation had already been sent to the LHC. During his speech, the CM announced to take in three members from the FCCI in the board of directors of the Bank of Punjab to facilitate the business community of Faisalabad.