PA speaker terms CM Clean Punjab a landmark initiative

LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik M Ahmad Khan chaired a special conference on the Clean Punjab Initiative at the Punjab Assembly on Friday.

According to a press release, Speaker Punjab Assembly underlined the importance of public contribution to municipal services, particularly in rural areas where residents often refrain from paying municipal taxes. He termed the Chief Minister’s Clean Punjab Programme as a landmark effort towards improving the sanitation system, adding that the cleanliness holds significant value in our faith.

The speaker also criticised the conventional association of the sanitation profession with the Christian community, calling it inappropriate and unjust. He stressed the importance of ensuring equal rights for minorities, recognising the Christian community as a vital part of society. Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq elaborated that the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is the driving force behind the Clean Punjab Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative for urban and rural cleanliness systems. He shared that 60,000 tons of waste are collected daily in Punjab, and a modern waste management system is being implemented to ensure efficient disposal.

The minister further highlighted that over 100,000 job opportunities will be created under this programme, aligning the cleanliness system with international standards. Additionally, door-to-door waste collection will be introduced in rural areas for the first time. To ensure transparency, a points system and community monitoring framework will also be established.

During the session, Saira Afzal Tarar raised concerns over the current state of sanitation, urging improvements in resource allocation and infrastructure for effective implementation of programme. Minority member Shakeela Javed emphasised the need for equal rights for minorities, condemning the stereotype linking sanitation jobs to the Christian community.