Maryam orders Punjab crackdown on crop residue burning

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered a province-wide crackdown on crop residue burning on Thursday and warned deputy commissioners, particularly in Okara and other affected districts, over their failure to prevent the practice.

She chaired a special meeting in Lahore to review the performance of deputy commissioners and expressed displeasure over delays and substandard work on beautification projects, directing district administrations to ensure quality, sustainability and timely completion.

According to The Nation, Punjab Performance Management Unit head and Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza presented district-wise key performance indicators, and the chief minister appreciated the administrations of Murree, Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Jhelum, Layyah and Sahiwal.

She directed the establishment of dedicated governance and road maintenance squads to inspect public facilities and complete corrective measures within 12 hours. Beautification projects are to include fountains and other water features, streetlights must stay functional, manholes must be covered, and zebra crossings and school safety arrangements improved.

Deputy commissioners were given three days to improve conditions at public hospitals. They and assistant commissioners were told to visit hospitals daily and ensure deep cleaning, and the chief minister ordered daily washing of roads across the province. Assistant commissioners were directed to restore non-functional water filtration plants, and district administrations to repair, maintain and clean general bus terminals and Green Bus shelters.

The meeting approved a three-step mechanism against vacant plots used as garbage dumping sites: a warning on the first violation, a heavy fine on the second and registration of an FIR on the third.

Maryam Nawaz ordered a province-wide operation against encroachments and the removal of wall chalking, torn banners and small advertising posters from public spaces, and called for effective measures to control stray dogs.

The Nation reported that she said: "Proper lane markings, freshly painted buildings and clean roads are essential for a well-maintained city. Any negligence by deputy commissioners or the district administration directly affects the government's image and reputation."

Deputy commissioners were told to visit universities and colleges to brief students on development projects and government schemes, and every district was asked to prepare a District Economic Plan.

The meeting reviewed beautification work in Khanewal's Akbar Bazaar, Mian Channu's Main Bazaar and Allah Dad Bazaar in Jahanian, and in Sheikhupura, Sharaqpur and Muridke. Gujranwala's initiatives were noted. Four beautification plans in Nankana Sahib are to be completed by November, and the Rawalpindi administration was asked to focus on green belts. The chief minister expressed dissatisfaction over deviations from approved plans in Rahim Yar Khan and ordered food streets and food carts to be handed to capable individuals and companies. She warned that poor performance would not be tolerated.