LAHORE: The Punjab government has established a special confidential cell to identify corruption and misconduct within government departments on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
According to a report, the provincial government has also introduced helpline 1350 to enable citizens to report allegations of corruption, bribery, mismanagement and misuse of official authority.
The confidential cell will submit its findings directly to the chief minister, who has decided to personally oversee anti-corruption efforts across the province.
Maryam Nawaz urged citizens to immediately report any instance involving bribery, corruption or abuse of authority, assuring them that the identities of complainants would be kept strictly confidential.
She said information provided by citizens could help authorities uncover wider networks involved in corruption and financial misconduct.
No leniency in misuse of public funds
The chief minister directed authorities to ensure that complaints regarding corruption are acted upon within the prescribed timeframe.
She said proceedings against those involved would continue until misappropriated public money was fully recovered.
“Corruption is not merely the theft of money; it is the theft of the people’s rights and trust,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding that no one would be allowed to misuse public funds.
She said the government would deploy a modern monitoring mechanism to oversee development projects and ensure greater transparency in their execution.
The chief minister also ordered independent assessments of the quality and expenditure of every development project.
Merit to be rewarded, corruption punished
Maryam Nawaz said substantial funds had been allocated for development initiatives and warned that every rupee must be spent transparently.
She said officials delivering outstanding performance would be encouraged through the CM Merit Badge, while those involved in corruption would face legal action.
The chief minister made it clear that official connections, recommendations or institutional affiliations would not protect anyone accused of embezzling public money.
“Anyone who embezzles public money will be brought to justice,” she said, reiterating that safeguarding public trust remained a key priority of her government.
