- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Oct 07 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the new sanitation fleet for all districts under largest solid waste management initiative, the ‘Suthra Punjab’ Program, here on Tuesday.
The initiative aimed at ensuring cleanliness and environmental sustainability across all districts of Punjab, serving a population of over 150 million.
Addressing the ceremony held at Fortress Stadium, the CM unveiled the province’s new sanitation fleet comprising 700 state-of-the-art waste management vehicles and machines. The new fleet marks a major leap in modernizing waste collection and disposal services throughout Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz also launched the ‘Suthra Punjab’ Book and website, and formally handed over the keys of the sanitation fleet to the Chief Secretary and divisional commissioners. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the sanitation workforce, she wore a sanitary worker’s jacket, saying it was an honor to wear the uniform of those who serve on the frontlines to keep Punjab clean.
She announced a Ration Card Program for 150,000 sanitation workers across the province to acknowledge their tireless efforts and dedication. Paying tribute to their services, she remarked, “If I, as Chief Minister, can wear a commando’s uniform, why not that of my sanitation heroes?” She saluted all members of the ‘Suthra Punjab Force’, adding that commissioners, deputy commissioners, police, and sanitary workers were all part of her team working for a cleaner and healthier Punjab.
The CM recalled the invaluable contributions of sanitation workers during the recent floods, when they formed human chains to protect citizens and property, acts that went beyond their defined duties. She also appreciated their efforts in restoring cleanliness in flood-hit areas such as Sahiwal and other districts.
CM Maryam Nawaz said that the ‘Suthra Punjab’ workforce, comprising 150,000 members, is the largest of its kind. She lauded Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique and Secretary Local Government for their dedicated efforts in realizing this vision.
Criticizing previous administrations, she said that after Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure, waste management systems had collapsed, leaving heaps of garbage across Punjab.
The CM said that modern sanitation equipment, including 35,000 machines and millions of waste collection containers, had now been made available to districts across the province. “Every district now owns its sanitation machinery and no longer needs to borrow from others. Cleanliness has reached not just cities but also villages, which were long neglected,” she added.
Reflecting on past mismanagement, she said that during previous governments, animal waste would remain uncleared for weeks after Eid-ul-Azha, whereas now, all waste was removed within two hours. She noted that Shehbaz Sharif himself had commended her administrative performance and governance reforms.
CM Maryam Nawaz said, “Education, health, cleanliness, roads, and transport are the basic rights of our people, and I am working with sincerity and dedication to deliver them on priority.” She also announced scholarships and laptops for talented students to ensure continuity in education.
The CM said that the crime rate in Punjab had dropped significantly and that those involved in harassing women were being arrested within 24 hours. “I am cleaning not only Punjab’s streets but also the minds of those who feel jealous of its progress,” she remarked, adding that a revolution of development and cleanliness had begun across the province.
Maryam Nawaz expressed her vision for nationwide progress, stating, “I want to see Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clean and developed too. If roads are broken, food is expensive, and streets are dirty, people have every right to hold their governments accountable.”
The event featured an inspection of newly procured machinery, including high-pressure jetting machines, sewer suction units, de-silting and winching machines, and advanced tractor-trolleys. A documentary film and theme song portraying the ‘Suthra Punjab’ vision were also screened, depicting the province’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.