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LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a three-hour-long accountability meeting via video link with all commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, taking strict notice of open manholes, dog-bite incidents and lapses in public safety across the province.
The chief minister ordered for decisive action against officers failing to ensure citizens’ safety and public convenience, warning that negligent officials would face stern measures including transfers, explanations and warnings. She immediately transferred Assistant Commissioner Layyah Haris Hameed over the tragic death of a two-year-old child who fell into an open pit in Layyah.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif instructed the administration to take prompt action against open manholes, dog-bite incidents, dilapidated infrastructure and land-grab mafia activities. She emphasized that no compromise would be tolerated in protecting life, property, and the provision of basic facilities to Punjab’s citizens. She called for performance evaluations of Commissioners and directed Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to establish KPIs for their officers and staff.
Expressing deep concern over preventable tragedies, she stressed the need for pre-emptive measures, particularly against dog-bite incidents and unsecured sewerage pits, and instructed officials to ignore political pressure while prioritizing good governance and transparency. She appreciated swift action in 3,607 encroachment cases and urged further empowerment of ADC(R)s and Assistant Commissioners in ongoing anti-encroachment drives.
The chief minister also issued directives for beautification and modernization of markets and bazaars across Punjab. She ordered installation of uniform signboards, enhanced greenery, construction of footpaths, and provision of clean, modern toilets. Officials briefed her that Lahore’s historic Ichhra Bazaar would be beautified with improved access for women, while food streets and markets in Kasur, Shahkot, Warburton, Sangla Hill, Nankana Sahib, Pakpattan, Sahiwal and Okara would be upgraded with modern facilities, aesthetic stalls and proper parking arrangements, with completion deadlines set before May 31, 2026.
CM Maryam Nawaz underscored that citizens’ safety, convenience, and urban beautification were top priorities, directing strict monitoring to ensure timely and effective implementation.