Maryam approves restructuring of ministries, depts

LAHORE: To bring improvements in the government and governance system in Punjab, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the restructuring of ministries and departments.

She has granted approval in this regard and a 14-member high-powered committee has been constituted and tasked to prepare recommendations within 60 days. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will be convener of the committee while Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and Law Minister Sohaib Ahmad Barth will be its members. The ToRs of the committee include downsizing of departments undergoing losses, abolishing more than one institution performing similar duties, reducing the size of ministries and easing dispensation of official affairs.

Maryam said by undertaking restructuring and downsizing, the performance of public institutions would improve and the public service delivery system would be made simple, easy and swift.

On the direction of Maryam, CM Maryam Nawaz Free WiFi services have been launched at 100 additional points of Lahore. The Punjab Safe City Authority has activated and enhanced the service from 100 to 200 points. The service has been started in Manga Mandi, Multan Road, Bund Road, Chung, Shah Pur Kanjran, Sundar, Valencia, Maraka and other areas. Under the digital Punjab vision, the emergency free WiFi service is being provided to citizens. Through this service, police and family members can be contacted in an emergency situation. Women Safety App, Punjab Police App and WhatsApp can be used through this service.

The range of every free WiFi device is up to 300 feet from the relevant point in Lahore and different applications can be downloaded. This service is not meant for Facebook, Youtube, Tiktok and other entertainment apps.

Meanwhile, Maryam set a record by refunding excess amount of money to passengers, which had been illegally charged from them by transporters. She asked people to pay only the fixed fare, directing the administration and police to display approved fares prominently on vehicles and bus terminals. For the first time in the history of Punjab, the excess fare collected by transporters was paid back to riders. An amount of Rs1,467,921 was returned to passengers, while a fine of Rs2,784,500 was imposed on transporters charging more than the official rate. Maryam appreciated the deputy commissioners, police and Road Transport Authority staff on their performance.

Maryam, while congratulating public representatives, administration, waste management companies, local bodies and police for excellent arrangements on Eid, said the success of Zero Waste Mission during 72 hours of the Eidul Azha is a great example of collaboration.

She said: “In cities, towns and large villages, the cleaning process was carried out in the best possible way. The process of washing roads with water mixed with phenyl and rose water is an innovation. Security arrangements at mosques and Imambargahs remained satisfactory. A good management of cattle markets facilitated buyers and traders alike.”