Lahore: Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique led the fifth meeting of the Suthra Punjab Authority, focusing on the review of its administrative and financial operations. According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting included Secretary Local Government Zaid Bin Maqsood, Director General Suthra Punjab Authority Umar Javed, and several technical members, with divisional commissioners joining via video link.

Zeeshan Rafique highlighted the transformative impact of the Suthra Punjab project, initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, on the province’s sanitation system. He emphasized the establishment of an integrated sanitation network across the province, a vision realized through the Chief Minister’s political will. Rafique noted the previous limitations of sanitation services to urban areas and the absence of a waste management system in villages, leading to years of garbage accumulation.

The minister stated that Suthra Punjab has gained national and international recognition, with organizations like Forbes, BBC, and Bloomberg acknowledging its success. He mentioned the implementation of a digital monitoring system overseeing 180,000 sanitation workers and 40,000 vehicles, while also stressing the importance of public participation in enhancing the program’s effectiveness.

Rafique reiterated the government’s commitment to refining service delivery by addressing challenges. He informed that the collected waste is being utilized productively under the Waste to Value initiative, with a clear direction set for its second phase. He also announced the transition from a company model to an authority model starting July 2026 and the establishment of district agencies to strengthen the monitoring system.