Punjab anti-corruption crackdown intensifies, Model Village Chief changed

LAHORE – On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the anti-corruption crackdown across the province has been intensified while a major change has also been made in the leadership of Punjab’s Model Village Programme to accelerate rural development and improve the delivery of public services.

According to sources, preparations have been completed for the next phase of action against officers and officials of various departments as part of the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown. A special intelligence cell established on the chief minister’s directives has also prepared a second list of corrupt officers and officials.

Next phase of action after suspension of 22 excise officers

Sources said that following the suspension of 22 inspectors and other officials of the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department, the action has now moved beyond suspensions to the registration of cases arrests and the recovery of allegedly embezzled funds.

According to a senior officer of the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment, FIRs are being registered in cases where evidence of bribery and embezzlement has been verified while further arrests and major recoveries are expected.

Sources said joint teams are conducting operations in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan. Relevant records have been taken into custody and investigations are being advanced.

Maryam Nawaz announces zero tolerance for corruption

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has made it clear that position, political affiliation or influence will not be allowed to obstruct action against corruption.

The chief minister has directed that government resources must be used in the public interest and that along with legal action against those involved in corruption, recovery of public funds must also be ensured.

According to sources, the special intelligence cell established by the chief minister is continuing to scrutinize complaints received against corrupt officials. Complaints received through the anti-corruption helpline 1350 are also being cross-checked with relevant records before action is taken.

Revenue, transport and housing departments under scrutiny

Sources said that in the next phase, action is also expected against officers and officials of the Revenue, Transport and Housing departments among others. Anti-corruption teams have also been directed to obtain police assistance during operations and ensure the protection of individuals providing complaints or information.

Leadership of Punjab Model Village Programme changed

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has changed the administrative leadership of the Punjab Model Village Programme to accelerate development projects and the provision of public facilities in rural areas.

According to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) Punjab, Shahid Imran Marth has been appointed as the new director of the programme.

Shahid Imran Marth is a Grade-19 Provincial Management Service (PMS) officer and previously served as Additional Secretary in the Energy Department.

Tahir Javed Cheema transferred

The programme’s former director, Tahir Javed Cheema, a Grade-18 Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer has been transferred and directed to report to S&GAD.

According to sources, the purpose of the administrative change is to further improve the implementation, monitoring and pace of development work under the Model Village Programme.

Development projects in more than 3,500 villages

The government is working on projects to provide basic infrastructure, sewerage systems, paved streets and other essential facilities in more than 3,500 villages across Punjab.

According to sources, the programme also includes a strategy to involve community-based organizations so that monitoring of development work and public participation at the local level can be improved.

Government sources said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is focusing on two fronts: taking strict action against corruption across the province and accelerating public service delivery through administrative reforms.