LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that 100,000 electric bikes will be provided to students across Punjab this year to facilitate their mobility and access to education.
The announcement was made during the distribution of Honhaar scholarships and laptops among students at the University of Sahiwal.
The development comes as the Punjab government moves forward with its Chief Minister’s E-Bike Scheme, with more than 1.3 million students registering on the online portal and over 607,000 submitting completed applications.
Following the closure of applications, Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to expedite the verification and selection process, which is scheduled to be completed in October. Successful applicants will then be selected through a transparent balloting process.
Under the scheme, students will pay monthly instalments of around Rs3,000, while the Punjab government will bear the interest and insurance costs. Successful female applicants will also receive free driving training.
The Chief Minister said the initiative aims to make commuting easier for students, particularly young women, while helping them reduce their monthly transportation expenses.
During her visit to Sahiwal, Maryam Nawaz also inaugurated four development projects worth Rs5.61 billion, including the Maryam Nawaz Sports Arena, renovation of Model Saddar Bazaar, a Model Agriculture Mall and the 27-kilometre Sahiwal-Arifwala dual carriageway.