Lahore: Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq has confirmed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is committed to seeing a clean Punjab in all respects. During a meeting with CEOs of waste management companies, Rafiq outlined the Chief Minister’s “Suthra Punjab” initiative and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in outsourcing waste management services.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the video link meeting also included Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmad Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, and Additional Secretary Maria Tariq. The CEOs updated the minister on the outsourcing process, which involves the selection of contractors at the tehsil level to manage waste collection and street cleaning. The contracts, set to be renewed annually, will span four years.

Rafiq assured that all legal protocols are being observed in preparation for the new system. He emphasized the importance of completing contractor selection by the first week of September and noted that the initiative will extend to villages as well as cities. The effort aims to enhance the cleanliness of houses, markets, offices, and public streets, and includes de-silting of drains.

The minister stated that the challenges anticipated in the outsourcing process are being addressed to find effective solutions. He reiterated the government’s priority to fulfill the Chief Minister’s vision for a cleaner, more efficient Punjab, emphasizing the role of community cooperation in achieving these goals.