Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed deputy commissioners (DCs) across the province to visit colleges and universities to brief students on ongoing development projects and government initiatives, in a move aimed at strengthening the provincial administration’s engagement with young people.
“All DCs must visit universities and colleges to brief students on ongoing development projects and schemes initiated by the government,” the chief minister said while chairing a meeting to review the performance of deputy commissioners on Thursday.
The initiative reflects the provincial government’s growing focus on reaching out to students and highlighting its performance through direct engagement at educational institutions.
The PML-N government has also introduced a province-wide laptop distribution programme as part of its efforts to strengthen its engagement with the youth.
A senior PML-N leader said the party recognised that a significant segment of young people supported jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. He added that the party, particularly Maryam Nawaz, was making efforts to attract young voters by highlighting the government’s development projects and student-focused initiatives.
Asked whether assigning DCs to brief students would influence their political preferences, the leader said the initiative would provide young people with an opportunity to learn about the government’s development work and welfare schemes, while comparing them with the performance of the previous PTI government led by Usman Buzdar.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz also directed deputy commissioners to prepare District Economic Plans to promote economic activities and utilise the development potential of their respective areas.
She ordered a complete ban on the burning of crop residues and warned officials in Okara and other districts over their failure to prevent such incidents.
Expressing dissatisfaction over delays and poor-quality work on beautification projects in several districts, the chief minister directed the administration to prioritise quality, sustainability and timely completion. She also instructed officials to incorporate fountains and other attractive features into these projects.
To improve road conditions, she ordered the formation of dedicated maintenance teams tasked with inspecting roads and addressing identified problems within 12 hours.
The chief minister further directed authorities to ensure the proper functioning of streetlights, installation of manhole covers, clear marking of zebra crossings and improved safety arrangements around schools.
She also gave deputy commissioners three days to improve conditions at public hospitals in their respective districts, directing administrative officials to conduct daily visits to healthcare facilities.
Assistant commissioners were instructed to take immediate measures to restore non-functional water filtration plants and ensure the repair, maintenance and cleanliness of general bus terminals and Green Bus shelters.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered a province-wide crackdown on encroachments and directed officials to remove wall chalking, damaged banners and unauthorised publicity material from public spaces.
Additionally, she called for effective measures to control the stray dog population across Punjab.
