Punjab's Information and Culture Minister, Azma Bokhari, has asserted that the provincial government's work is moving beyond mere claims and is now producing visible, concrete outcomes for the public. She emphasized that the administration under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is being measured by the transparency of its projects, rigorous monitoring, and the delivery of genuine relief to citizens.
Healthcare Transformation and New Facilities
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, Minister Bokhari highlighted what she termed as historic reforms within Punjab's healthcare system. The focus is on ensuring residents have reliable access to quality medical services. She made a significant announcement regarding two major facilities: the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and a modern Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha are set to be inaugurated within this month. These openings are expected to provide substantial relief to patients across the region.
Further illustrating the healthcare overhaul, Bokhari pointed to several key initiatives. These include the provision of free medicines in government hospitals, the deployment of field hospitals, and the innovative "Clinic on Wheels" program. According to the minister, these steps collectively represent a major shift in how healthcare is delivered in the province.
Administrative Reforms and Performance Tracking
Azma Bokhari stressed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally overseeing development projects to guarantee they are completed on time and meet quality standards. On the administrative front, the government has introduced clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the work of its officers. This system recognizes and rewards outstanding performance with certificates, while simultaneously showing zero tolerance for negligence or inefficiency.
"Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz does not compromise on public relief or the safety and protection of citizens under any circumstances," Bokhari firmly stated.
Crackdown on Illegal Commercial Properties
In a separate but concurrent enforcement drive, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has taken strong action against illegal commercial activities. On the directives of LDA Director General Tahir Farooq, the Town Planning Wing sealed 93 properties in various controlled areas for unauthorized commercial use and non-payment of commercialization fees.
The operation, supervised by Chief Town Planners Asad-uz-Zaman and Azhar Ali, targeted locations including Gulberg, Model Town Extension, Gulshan Ravi, Shadman, Defence Road, and the Audit and Accounts Scheme. The sealed establishments encompassed a range of businesses such as private schools, colleges, grocery stores, restaurants, clinics, and offices operating without proper approval.
Political Critique and Governance Vision
Taking aim at political opponents, Minister Bokhari argued that those engaged in what she called contradictory politics have lost relevance, lacking a clear public agenda. She asserted that elements whose political strategy revolves around protests and creating chaos cannot be expected to deliver real relief to people.
"Politics is about serving the people, not staging street spectacles every month," she remarked. Concluding her statement, Bokhari said the Punjab government, under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, remains dedicated to service, transparency, and public welfare, aiming to set a governance example for other provinces.
