LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday met Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad and discussed the ongoing development projects and public affairs.
The chief minister expressed condolences over the demise of the speaker’s sister and offered Fateha for the departed soul. During the meeting, discussions were held on public welfare initiatives and development projects. The speaker appreciated the launch of record development schemes by the chief minister and lauded the mass transit system projects in Faisalabad and Gujranwala. He said the Apna Khhet, Apna Rozgar Scheme would enable thousands of young people to earn their livelihood, adding that public issues have always been addressed by the Pakistan Muslim League N.
Maryam said every public project is very close to her heart and that basic facilities are being provided to people at their doorstep. She added that the journey of public service would be accelerated further. She said the Suthra Punjab Programme has become one of the largest and most organised waste management programmes of its kind in the world.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz-led government has decided to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring for sanitation across Punjab, marking the launch of a “smart cleanliness” drive under the Suthra Punjab programme.
Chairing a meeting on Tuesday, the chief minister ordered strict action against ghost employees, absentee staff and workers who mark attendance but leave duty. The meeting reviewed system improvements, AI-based operations, financial matters and progress on waste-to-value projects.
Officials informed the meeting that around 40,000 vehicles and 176,000 sanitation workers will be monitored through AI systems. The chief minister issued an alert to Suthra Punjab teams ahead of Eidul Azha, directing authorities to increase the number of waste collection centres across the province.
Under the new initiative, AI-equipped motorbikes will be introduced to identify garbage. These bikes will feature automated cameras capable of live image capturing and real-time field visibility, enabling continuous monitoring. Authorities are considering on-the-spot fines for negligence and illegal dumping of waste outside designated collection points.
The briefing revealed that digital mapping and a beat system are being introduced, along with the establishment of an AI-based complaint cell for the first time under the Suthra Punjab programme. Around 70 per cent of employees have undergone physical verification, which is expected to reach 100pc by next week.
The chief minister directed that field monitoring of sanitation staff be conducted using AI, while the Suthra Punjab helpline (1139) has been centralised to ensure 24-hour responsiveness. More than 10,365 points have been cleared through deep cleaning operations, and an additional 2,029 attendance points have been established for workers.
Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of 21 people in an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing factory in China. She extended sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. She said Pakistan stands with its Chinese brethren in this hour of grief and difficulty.
The CM also expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of former JUI MPA and renowned religious scholar Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai, who was martyred during an attack in Charsadda. She extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them at this difficult time.
