Zero tolerance jihad against corruption”: CM Maryam Nawaz’s crackdown targets 54+ officials, recovers Rs. 45 million

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched what officials describe as one of the province’s most extensive

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched what officials describe as one of the province’s most extensive anti-corruption campaigns, with more than 54 government officers and employees arrested, suspended or dismissed within weeks of the policy’s implementation. The campaign includes the activation of a special secret cell and Helpline 1350, while former tehsildars, patwaris and Food Department officials have also faced action.

Sources familiar with the development told Minute Mirror that the drive followed direct instructions from the Chief Minister in early September 2026. A special secret cell has been established to monitor government departments and submit reports directly to the Chief Minister’s Office.

A senior official in the Chief Minister’s Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the campaign was intended to send a clear message that no official would be protected because of position, influence or political connections. The official said the primary objective was to recover public money allegedly lost through corrupt practices.

The new anti-corruption mechanism includes a dedicated secret cell and Helpline 1350. According to officials, the cell is responsible for covert monitoring and intelligence gathering, while the helpline allows citizens to report alleged bribery and corruption. Officials said the identities of complainants would be kept confidential.

The crackdown has so far focused on several departments, including revenue, local government, police, health and food.

Among the major cases, former Deputy Tehsildar of Depalpur, District Okara, Muhammad Anwar Chandor, and Patwari Mazhar Ali were arrested following orders from Commissioner Sahiwal Dr Asif Tufail. An inquiry into a 19.5-acre land dispute allegedly found evidence that the two officials had demanded or received bribes in connection with the case. An FIR was subsequently registered.

Commissioner Sahiwal told Minute Mirror that corruption and exploitation of citizens would not be tolerated under the Chief Minister’s zero-tolerance policy, adding that public services must be provided on merit without bribery or influence.

Other arrests reported during September included SCO Usman of the Model Town Land Record Center in Lahore, who was allegedly caught accepting money in connection with property documents. In Bahawalnagar, Faisal Sheeraz, a clerk at the AC Office, and Mehran Hussain, a former Naib Qasid, were arrested during trap operations.

Nine government employees and three alleged frontmen were also arrested in a single day across Vehari, D.G. Khan, Jhang, Chakwal, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad and Talagang. The suspects included traffic officials, computer operators and personnel associated with the PERA force. Two WASA officials in Okara were also arrested over allegations of extorting citizens.

The Food Department has emerged as a major focus of the campaign, with 48 officers and employees reportedly suspended or dismissed. The action includes Assistant Food Controllers and Food Grain Inspectors from Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Sargodha and Multan, while disciplinary proceedings have reportedly been initiated against 14 additional Food Controllers.

In another significant development, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) recovered Rs. 45 million from former Superintendent of Gujranwala District Jail Azhar Cheema. Sources said the money was allegedly accumulated through corruption and misuse of authority during his tenure and has been deposited into the national treasury.

CM Maryam Nawaz has warned that strict action will continue until allegedly looted public funds are fully recovered. She has also directed the Inspector General of Punjab Police to identify and remove corrupt officers, stressing that officials with a reputation for corruption should not be appointed as SHOs.

The next phase is expected to focus on audits of ongoing development projects and greater digitization of land and food procurement records. The measures are aimed at reducing opportunities for bribery and strengthening monitoring across government departments.

Minute Mirror will continue to follow the arrests, recoveries and legal proceedings as the anti-corruption operation progresses.