Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a province-wide zero-tolerance campaign against corruption and malpractice, establishing a confidential cell to identify wrongdoing and refer cases for action, including arrests where necessary.
The Chief Minister (CM) has directed that reports compiled by the cell be submitted directly to her, while helpline 1350 has been made operational for citizens to report corruption, demands for bribes and misuse of authority.
Maryam said that complaints must be acted upon within the stipulated timeframe, while assuring citizens that the identity of complainants would remain completely confidential.
She stated that even a single piece of information can help uncover wider networks involved in corruption and bribery.
She also ordered independent reviews of the quality and expenditure of every development project, stressing that she would personally monitor measures taken against corruption.
In a post on X, Maryam said there will be “no room, no refuge and no concession” for corruption in Punjab.
She confirmed that a special confidential cell had been established to identify corrupt practices and that its reports were being submitted directly to her.
“The name of the complainant will be kept completely confidential and action will be taken on every complaint,” she wrote, adding that neither official position, personal connections nor recommendations would protect anyone facing corruption allegations.
Maryam said that action against those involved will continue until misappropriated public funds were fully recovered.
“Corruption is not merely theft of money; it is theft of the rights and trust of the people,” she remarked. “Any hand reaching for public money will be stopped.”
She said a modern monitoring system would be used to oversee development projects, noting that substantial funds had been released for development work.
Officials who perform well will be encouraged through the CM Merit Badge, she emphasised, while those found involved in corruption would face legal action.
