Lahore – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has formally closed a petition challenging the cancellation of Punjab’s electric bus (e-bus) contract after the provincial government withdrew its termination order, restoring the agreement and effectively ending the legal dispute.
The case came before the court after a private firm approached the LHC, arguing that the Punjab government’s decision to cancel the e-bus contract was arbitrary, unlawful and taken without due process. The petition had raised serious questions about contract enforcement, investor confidence and administrative transparency in large-scale public transport projects.
During the hearing, the Punjab government informed the court that the relevant authority had reviewed the matter and decided to revoke the termination notice. With the contract restored to its original status, the government’s counsel maintained that the petition no longer served any purpose.
Accepting the submission, the court observed that the issue had become infructuous and disposed of the case without examining the merits of the arguments presented by either side.
The e-bus project is part of Punjab’s broader plan to introduce environmentally friendly and energy-efficient public transport systems in major urban centres. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, curb air pollution and provide affordable and modern commuting options for the public. However, the abrupt cancellation of the contract earlier had sparked concern among stakeholders and raised fears of delays in project execution.
Legal and transport experts had warned that such reversals could negatively impact public-private partnerships, particularly at a time when Pakistan is seeking foreign and local investment in infrastructure and green transport solutions. The restoration of the contract is being seen by many as a corrective step, though questions remain about the circumstances that led to the initial cancellation.
With the court case now closed, attention is expected to shift back to the implementation of the e-bus project. Observers believe the real test will lie in whether the provincial government can ensure smooth execution, avoid further administrative hurdles and deliver on its commitment to sustainable urban transport.
While the legal chapter has ended for now, the episode has once again highlighted the need for consistency and clarity in government decision-making, especially in projects of significant public interest.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.