LAHORE – A new anti-corruption push is underway in Punjab as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif moves to tighten the grip on bribery and misuse of authority, with special secret cell has been set up to track complaints and suspected wrongdoing, with reports going directly to the CM and arrests reportedly already underway.
The latest move shows tougher approach by provincial government, with corruption, bribery, misuse of authority and irregularities in development spending all coming under increased scrutiny.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered the crackdown on corruption, bribery and misuse of authority across the province, with a special secret cell now working to identify and monitor suspected corrupt practices.
CM decided to personally oversee the campaign and made it clear that officials involved in corruption will not be given any room to escape accountability. “There will be no space, no protection and no concession for corruption in Punjab,” she said.
Maryam Nawaz also urged citizens to speak up whenever they are asked for a bribe, witness corruption or see an official misusing their authority. For this purpose, the government has introduced helpline 1350, where people can register complaints and report suspected corruption. The identity of complainants, officials said, will be kept completely confidential.
Maryam Nawaz said even a single complaint could help uncover an entire network involved in bribery and corruption. CM also ordered tighter checks on development schemes across Punjab, particularly as large amounts of public money are being spent on ongoing projects.
She directed authorities to ensure that every rupee released for development is spent transparently and warned that those found misusing public funds would face action.
Maryam Nawaz further directed officials to ensure that corruption complaints are dealt with within the prescribed timeframe. She made it clear that public money must be used for the public and no one would be allowed to misuse or pocket government funds.
The crackdown will not only focus on those accused of wrongdoing. The Punjab government also plans to recognise officials who perform their duties honestly and efficiently.
