CM approves free transport project, orders strict sanitation enforcement

LAHORE, Apr 07 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a free transport pilot project in Gujranwala, Multan, and Sialkot, while directing the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to regulate LPG prices across the province and improve cleanliness within two weeks.

Chairing a meeting, here on Tuesday, the CM sought a report within 24 hours to determine transport fares per kilometre and instructed officials to explore launching free transport in 17 districts where public transport is currently unavailable.

The meeting reviewed the impact of global oil prices on transport fares, alongside a detailed assessment of prices of 23 essential food items, including onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, and pulses across all districts, including Lahore.

Officials informed the meeting that flour prices in Punjab remain significantly lower compared to other provinces, with a difference of Rs 427 compared to Sindh, Rs 823 compared to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Rs. 790 compared to Balochistan. Prices of pulses, fruits, and vegetables were also reported to be relatively stable, with sufficient stocks of lentils and gram available.

The CM urged citizens to avoid purchasing commodities above officially notified rates and ordered strict action against hoarding.

She directed assistant commissioners to conduct surveys of ponds and water bodies in every street, while commissioners were instructed to submit daily reports with photographic evidence. Ensuring safety measures for ponds in every union council was also emphasized.

Highlighting key performance indicators, the CM stressed focus on tree plantation, prevention of dog bites, installation of zebra crossings, maintenance of street lights, and improvement of green belts. She also ordered the resumption of cleanliness drives in graveyards under the “Suthra Punjab” programme.

Expressing displeasure over poor sanitation in Jhang, she ordered complete cleaning of selected union councils within 24 hours. A detailed review of beautification and upgradation projects across districts, including Attock, Rahim Yar Khan, and Faisalabad, was also conducted. She appreciated the quality of work in Attock and commended the Deputy Commissioner, while also praising improvements around the Clock Tower area in Faisalabad, particularly the resolution of drainage issues and removal of overhead electric wires.

The CM expressed serious concern over fatalities caused by open drainage systems, warning that the presence of unsafe ponds would be treated as administrative failure. She termed complaints of garbage accumulation in various cities as unacceptable.

The meeting also reviewed targets under the “Suthra Punjab” programme, deciding to introduce AI-based monitoring systems, including digital mapping for real-time tracking of sanitation staff in every union council. A new AI-powered complaint system, “Suthra Punjab Hero,” along with pilot projects for AI-based waste detection vehicles, will also be launched.

Directing further improvements, the CM reiterated that visible garbage heaps in cities would not be tolerated under any circumstances.