Lahore (HRNW)– Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that while corruption at the lower level may still exist, it is now impossible at the top level in the province.
She expressed these views during a meeting with participants of the 27th National Security Workshop of the National Defense University, where she briefed them on major public welfare initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government. The participants appreciated the reforms and development plans presented.
The Chief Minister highlighted Pakistan’s global recognition following the success of Operation Banyan Marsus, adding that millions of flood-affected citizens and their livestock were saved due to timely government action. She explained that strong measures—including smog guns and control over stubble burning—had significantly reduced smog, although cross-border crop burning still impacts Lahore.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that good governance requires courage, noting that backlash over anti-encroachment drives did not deter her. She stated that Punjab remains the only province where prices of roti, flour, and wheat have not increased.
She also reported that inflation has dropped from 40% to 4%, and more than 1,650 roads spanning 30,000 km are under construction, made cost-efficient through e-tendering. Modern burn and orthopedic hospitals, Pakistan’s first government cancer hospital, and major cardiology projects—including a 1,000-bed children’s cardiology hospital—are also underway.
Discussing transparency, Maryam Nawaz said she faced criticism for inspecting tandoors personally, but stressed that she must witness ground realities herself. Punjab has also launched the world’s largest waste management program, and aims to reduce electricity prices by bringing the per-unit cost to Rs 16-17.
She reaffirmed her determination to make Punjab corruption-free within five years.
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