One province, one vision: executive and judiciary intensify crackdown on VIP culture

Punjab is witnessing an unusual convergence between the provincial executive and judiciary, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Punjab is witnessing an unusual convergence between the provincial executive and judiciary, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aalia Neelum pursuing measures aimed at curbing corruption, inefficiency and VIP culture.

The parallel moves have placed both institutions on a similar footing, with a clear emphasis on accountability, austerity and responsible use of public office. The latest development came as the Lahore High Court moved to restrict VIP identifiers on vehicles being used by judicial officers following monetisation.

The measures reflect a broader policy message that public office should be treated as a responsibility rather than a privilege. Government and judicial sources said the focus is not limited to financial corruption but also includes unnecessary protocol, extravagance and the use of official symbols to project special status.

A senior official told Minute Mirror that the ongoing measures represented a shift from announcements to practical action, with reforms being implemented across different areas of governance.

LHC moves against VIP symbols

Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has directed the enforcement of austerity measures within the judiciary. Following her directions, District and Sessions Judge Lahore Tariq Khurshid Khawaja issued Office Order No. 13246 on September 5, 2026, for judicial officers in Lahore.

Under the order, judicial officers have been prohibited from using green registration plates or other coloured plates that identify their vehicles as official. The display of Lahore High Court monograms, district judiciary emblems, official seals, flags, badges or similar inscriptions has also been barred.

The order further prohibits the use of blue beacons, revolving lights, flashers and other emergency or official lights, including those installed inside vehicles. Judicial officers have also been directed not to display their designations or similar inscriptions on their vehicles.

Following monetisation, the vehicles are to be treated as private or personal vehicles and their appearance must not indicate official status.

The order warns that violations will be taken seriously and reported to the relevant authority. It also states that official vehicle maintenance will no longer be provided, with judges required to bear such expenses while continuing to receive the existing petrol allowance.

The directive follows Letter No. 11224-P&D-I-DDJ dated August 11, 2026, and similar measures are reportedly being adopted by session judges across Punjab.

Support from lawyers and civil society

The move has received positive reactions from lawyers, bar representatives and civil society members, who described the removal of VIP symbols as an important step towards strengthening public confidence in institutions.

A senior Lahore High Court lawyer said the perception of a separate class for powerful officials had weakened public trust, adding that the new order reinforced the principle of equality before the law.

A rights activist said the judiciary’s decision to give up visible VIP markers could encourage other state institutions to adopt similar standards.

Observers believe the simultaneous focus on accountability by the executive and austerity within the judiciary could help reduce the traditional gap between public officials and ordinary citizens.

Under CM Maryam Nawaz, the provincial government is continuing anti-corruption operations, arrests, recoveries and administrative reforms. At the same time, the judiciary under CJ Aalia Neelum is pursuing internal measures aimed at reducing protocol and reinforcing institutional discipline.

Governance experts describe the developments as a move towards greater accountability and dignity of public office. With compliance being monitored across districts, further reforms are expected in the coming weeks as Punjab continues its drive against corruption and VIP culture.