Maryam sets one-week deadline to eliminate encroachments in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set an ambitious target of eliminating encroachments across Punjab within a week.

She has also tasked deputy commissioners with cracking down on corruption and designing more effective administrative systems. The chief minister directed the establishment of urban forests on government land in every city and to ensuring the success of province-wide “No to Plastic” campaign. Green belts under overhead bridges and addressing the issue of drug addicts were also highlighted as priorities.

The chief minister also instructed the designation of bike lanes on roads, separated by fences or small walls, inspired by the Chinese model. She emphasized mandatory helmet use for bikers and proper functioning of backlights and indicators. Zebra crossings for children near schools are to be painted, and the issuance of fitness certificates for school vans will be strictly monitored. The chief minister directed improvement in bus stands, including installing clean drinking water, fans and comfortable seating. Deputy commissioners have been assigned to monitor the performance of medical superintendents in hospitals. A comprehensive cleanliness campaign in Sargodha was also announced and she commended efforts to ensure fertiliser availability at controlled prices. She appreciated the beautification initiatives in Mianwali, including monuments, waterfalls and park enhancements.

The chief minister stressed, “Excellence in governance should be visible in every city,” and directed swift repair of dilapidated roads, installation of visible signboards and prevention of land mafia activities. She also emphasised the importance of ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme, water filtration plants and a province-wide sewage and sanitation plan. Furthermore, she ordered strict action against fake medicine manufacturers and sellers, mandated consistent cleanliness of public parks and directed operational streetlights in streets and markets. Public complaints about the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Sargodha drew her ire, and she instructed immediate resolution of grievances. A special meeting was held to review Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Sargodha Division, where deputy commissioners of Sargodha, Khushab, Bhakkar, and Mianwali presented detailed briefings. The meeting covered KPIs related to cleanliness, health, education, price control and monitoring of outsourced schools. Reports on violations of the Marriage Act, encroachments, park conditions and urban development projects were also reviewed. The chief minister instructed deputy commissioners to ensure street and neighbourhood cleanliness and address public complaints promptly. In her message on National Farmers Day, the chief minister saluted the farmers, saying “I pay tribute to the hard-working farmers.” She acknowledged their relentless efforts in growing grains to meet the nation’s food needs. She also highlighted government initiatives to support farmers, including mechanising the agriculture sector, launching the Kisan Card for financial empowerment, and offering productive loans. “Farmers have purchased billions of rupees worth of fertilisers, seeds and other agricultural inputs using the Kisan Card,” she said.