Lahore, October 8, 2024 – In a significant step towards promoting education and empowerment of women, Maryam Nawaz, the senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), officially launched the Bus Transport Project for girls’ colleges in Punjab today. The initiative, aimed at facilitating easy and safe transportation for female students, is part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to ensure greater access to education for women across the region.
The launch ceremony, held at the Punjab College for Women in Lahore, was attended by senior government officials, educationists, and students. Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of education for women in shaping the future of the country. She highlighted that the transport project would help remove one of the key barriers to girls’ education: the lack of safe, affordable, and reliable transport options.
“We believe that education is the foundation of a prosperous future, and every girl should have the opportunity to pursue her dreams without being held back by logistical challenges,” Maryam Nawaz said during her address. “This project will ensure that girls can travel safely to and from their colleges, enabling them to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.”
The project, which will begin in Lahore and be expanded to other districts across Punjab, will provide dedicated buses for female students, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience. The buses will follow fixed routes connecting major residential areas to colleges, and the service will be available free of charge for enrolled students.
In addition to the transport initiative, Maryam Nawaz also announced that the Punjab government will be working on creating additional facilities within the colleges to support female students, including improved security measures, libraries, and mentorship programs.
The initiative has been warmly welcomed by both students and educators, who believe it will not only improve access to education but also contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the province.
“Transport has always been a major issue for girls who wish to pursue higher education, especially in remote areas,” said Fatima Khan, a college student from Lahore. “This project will make it easier for us to attend our classes regularly and focus on our studies without worrying about how to get there.”
As the project progresses, the government plans to collect feedback from students and staff to ensure that it meets the needs of the community and serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at improving the educational landscape in Pakistan.
This initiative reflects the PML-N government’s continued commitment to supporting education, particularly for women, and providing equal opportunities for all students in Punjab.
