Maryam Nawaz orders Punjab-wide anti-corruption drive

A confidential cell has been established to investigate allegations of corruption and malpractices, with its reports to be submitted directly to the chief minister

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a province-wide campaign against corruption and misuse of authority, directing officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and ensure swift action on complaints received from the public.

A confidential cell has been established to investigate allegations of corruption and malpractices, with its reports to be submitted directly to the chief minister. A public helpline, 1350, has also been activated for citizens to report bribery, corruption and abuse of authority. Maryam Nawaz said the identity of complainants would remain confidential and instructed authorities to act on complaints within the prescribed timeframe.

The chief minister ordered independent assessments of the quality and spending of development projects, warning that no official would be protected by position, influence or personal connections if found involved in the misuse of public funds. She said modern monitoring mechanisms would be introduced to improve oversight and transparency in development schemes.

Maryam Nawaz said corruption undermined public trust and vowed that action against those responsible would continue until misappropriated funds were recovered. She also announced that officials demonstrating strong performance would be recognised through the CM Merit Badge, while those found guilty of corruption would face legal proceedings.

Separately, the chief minister inaugurated a new veterinary service fleet designed to provide livestock treatment and diagnostic facilities directly to farmers. She inspected a mobile veterinary unit equipped with laboratory and X-ray facilities and directed the livestock department to arrange a provincial livestock conference.

According to officials, 30 additional mobile veterinary dispensaries and 17 laboratories have been launched, taking the number of operational facilities across Punjab to 262. The mobile units will provide services including ultrasound, X-ray examinations, disease screening and livestock surveillance, while laboratories will offer on-site testing.

The government also plans to deploy thousands of veterinary assistants on motorcycles to provide treatment at farmers’ premises. Officials said veterinary doctors and assistants working under the CM Internship Programme have already treated millions of animals across Punjab.

The provincial government further plans to construct or rehabilitate 230 tehsil-level veterinary hospitals, with a model facility proposed for every tehsil. These hospitals are expected to include modern treatment, surgical and livestock-handling facilities.

During a separate meeting, Maryam Nawaz also ordered restructuring of the Directorate General of Public Relations and called for independent third-party assessment of its performance, stressing the need for modern and scientifically driven communication.