By In a landmark move for regional aviation and transportation, the Punjab government has officially launched the Air Punjab Project, aiming to establish the province’s first-ever airline. Operations are expected to begin within eight to twelve months, making Punjab a pioneer in provincial aviation in Pakistan.
The announcement was made by Punjab’s Information Minister, Azma Bokhari, during a press briefing in Lahore. She confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had granted formal approval for the project just days earlier. Bokhari emphasized that four aircraft will be leased immediately to form the initial fleet, with licensing and leasing procedures being fast-tracked on the direct orders of the chief minister.
Under Pakistani aviation law, new airlines must operate domestic routes for at least one year before they can expand internationally. Bokhari expressed confidence that Air Punjab will soon be serving passengers across the country, filling a critical gap left by ongoing challenges at the national level, particularly the failed privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
This decision follows the collapse of the federal government’s attempt to privatize PIA, after receiving a disappointing offer of only Rs10 billion against the expected Rs85 billion. While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa showed interest in acquiring PIA, Punjab chose a bold new path — creating an airline under its own leadership and vision.
Punjab’s First High-Speed Bullet Train Approved
In addition to the Air Punjab Project, Bokhari also announced the launch of Pakistan’s first high-speed bullet train. The train will run between Lahore and Rawalpindi, covering the distance in just two hours and twenty minutes. Approval for this ambitious railway project has also been granted by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Feasibility studies are underway for several other fast-train services within Punjab, including proposed routes such as:
- Lahore to Shahdara and Narowal
- Lahore to Raiwind and Kasur
- Pakpattan to Lodhran
- Sheikhupura to Shorkot
- Shorkot to Sargodha via Jhang
- Lala Musa to Sargodha via Malakwal
The government also plans a comprehensive overhaul of Punjab’s railway network, aiming to modernize and connect key urban and rural areas more efficiently.
A New Era of Transportation in Punjab
The Air Punjab Project and the high-speed train initiatives signal a transformative era for Punjab’s transportation landscape. These projects not only promise better connectivity within Pakistan but also position Punjab as a forward-thinking leader in infrastructure development.
With rapid progress in licensing, leasing, and feasibility planning, citizens can expect major improvements in air and rail travel within the next year — setting new benchmarks for regional growth and modernization.
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