Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given formal approval for the launch of ‘Air Punjab’, the province’s first-ever airline project, marking a major milestone in Punjab’s transport and aviation ambitions.
In a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister in Lahore, the ‘Air Punjab’ initiative was officially presented, with immediate instructions to lease four Airbus aircrafts to kickstart operations. Maryam Nawaz directed officials to ensure that Air Punjab is developed into the country’s best airline, emphasising international standards in service quality, safety, and operations.
The meeting also reviewed key urban transport projects, including the Lahore Yellow Line and the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line. Officials were ordered to complete the Yellow Line study — covering the route from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura — by May 30, and the Gujranwala project study by June 15. Progress updates were also shared on the province’s upcoming e-taxi project.
In another significant move, the chief minister granted principle approval for a Lahore-to-Rawalpindi bullet train project, to be developed in collaboration with Pakistan Railways. Various financing options, including public-private partnerships, are being considered to execute this ambitious plan. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has been tasked with leading coordination efforts with federal authorities.
Maryam Nawaz further requested plans for high-speed trains on six additional routes across Punjab, expanding the vision of a province-wide rapid transit network. Proposed routes include:
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Lahore to Shahdara and Narowal
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Lahore via Raiwind, Kasur, and Pakpattan to Lodhran
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Sheikhupura to Jaranwala to Shorkot
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Shorkot to Jhang and onward to Sargodha
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Lala Musa to Sargodha via Mandi Bahauddin
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Faisalabad to Chak Jhumra and Shahinabad
The chief minister called for feasibility studies and route development proposals for these corridors, signalling a major expansion in Punjab’s rail infrastructure.
Later, at a press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that Air Punjab is expected to commence operations within eight months to a year. She noted that the provincial government had floated the idea in November 2024, following the federal government’s unsuccessful attempt to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
“This service will begin in a minimum of eight months, and at most within a year,” Bokhari confirmed, adding that CM Maryam Nawaz had fully endorsed and approved the project.
Bokhari positioned Air Punjab as part of a broader provincial strategy to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and modernise public services, as Punjab continues to assert greater autonomy in major sectors following slow federal progress on key national initiatives.
