Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed deputy commissioners (DCs) to enforce a complete cessation of crop residue burning and has issued warnings to officials in Okara and other districts for their inadequate efforts in preventing such practices. According to Directorate General Public Relations – Govt of Punjab, the chief minister, during a special meeting on the performance of deputy commissioners, expressed dissatisfaction with delays and the quality of work in beautification projects across several districts. She emphasized the importance of quality, sustainability, and timely completion in administrative priorities.
Punjab Performance Management Unit head and Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza presented district-wise key performance indicators (KPIs) at the meeting. The chief minister acknowledged the efforts of the administrations in Murree, Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Jhelum, Layyah, and Sahiwal for their commendable performance.
The chief minister instructed the inclusion of fountains and water features in beautification projects and ordered the creation of special squads for governance and road maintenance, with a mandate to inspect sites and implement corrective actions within 12 hours. She also called for the maintenance of functional streetlights, proper coverage of manholes, and improvements in zebra crossings and school safety measures.
Deputy commissioners were given a three-day deadline to enhance conditions at public hospitals, with instructions for DCs and assistant commissioners (ACs) to conduct daily visits. Additionally, she mandated daily deep cleaning of hospitals and road washing across the province. ACs were also tasked with restoring non-functional water filtration plants, while ensuring the upkeep of general bus terminals and Green Bus shelters.
The meeting established a three-step process to deter the use of vacant plots as garbage dumping sites, involving warnings, fines, and FIR registration for repeated offenses. CM Punjab announced a province-wide operation against encroachments, instructing the removal of wall chalking, torn banners, and small advertising posters in public areas and called for measures to manage stray dogs across Punjab.
Emphasizing the significance of well-maintained urban environments, the chief minister urged DCs to engage with university and college students to inform them about ongoing development projects and government initiatives. Each district administration was asked to formulate a District Economic Plan to foster local economic growth.
Beautification projects in districts such as Akbar Bazaar in Khanewal, Main Bazaar in Mian Channu, and Allah Dad Bazaar in Jahanian were reviewed. The Gujranwala administration’s efforts were praised, while projects in Eminabad, Kamoke, and Nowshera Virkan were assessed. The chief minister directed the completion of four beautification plans in Nankana Sahib by November and emphasized the importance of maintaining green belts in Rawalpindi.
Instructing the Gujrat deputy commissioner to incorporate new schemes into development projects, CM Punjab expressed dissatisfaction with deviations from approved plans in Rahim Yar Khan and directed that food streets and carts be managed by capable entities.
The meeting also evaluated district performances on various fronts, including eBiz, dog-bite incidents, Suthra Punjab, hospitals, schools, price control, road and street safety, public facilities, development monitoring, regulation and enforcement, urban management, and citizen services. The chief minister stressed the need for improved service delivery and cautioned administrations regarding poor performance.