Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar on Friday announced the launch of pink buses aimed at enhancing travel options for women in Lahore.

During a recent session, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, emphasised the importance of ensuring that the municipal corporation’s tax subsidies do not burden residents of Toba Tek Singh.

He argued that if the Lahore Metro project moves forward, the local government should contribute to its development, questioning why citizens of Toba Tek Singh should bear the weight of Lahore’s infrastructural improvements.

Akbar expressed his disappointment over the lack of recognition for local governments, advocating for reforms that would empower them to manage provincial matters.

He noted the significant investments already made in Lahore and reiterated that with the introduction of the metro, development charges would help ease business operations in the city.

Akbar announced plans to establish Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Multan. He said : "300 pink buses will be operational on 16 routes in Lahore, with one to two buses designated specifically for women on each road".

In a related request, opposition member Sardar Muhammad Ali Khan urged the government to implement similar transportation solutions for women and students in the city of Fateh Jang.

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