Maryam Nawaz Launches Ration Cards for 150,000 Suthra Punjab Workers

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif made several major announcements during her speech at the Suthra Punjab ceremony held in Lahore on Tuesday, according to ARY News. The event was organized to honor the workers who play a vital role in keeping Punjab clean and beautiful.

Launch of Ration Cards for Sanitation Workers

During her address, Maryam Nawaz announced the launch of ration cards for 150,000 Suthra Punjab workers. These cards will help support sanitation workers and their families by providing them with essential food items at affordable rates. The Chief Minister praised their hard work and dedication, saying that these workers are the real reason Punjab’s cities and villages stay clean.

She said proudly, “Today, I am honored to wear the uniform of the Suthra Punjab team. If I, as Chief Minister, can wear a commando’s uniform, then why can’t I wear the uniform of those who keep our province clean?” Her gesture received a warm response from the audience, as it symbolized her respect and solidarity with the workers.

Honoring the “Real Heroes” of Punjab

Maryam Nawaz referred to the sanitation workers as the “real heroes of Punjab.” She appreciated their efforts in cleaning every corner of the province — from crowded city streets to small rural neighborhoods. “The Suthra Punjab team has worked tirelessly to keep Punjab clean, and I salute them for their service,” she said.

She also praised the efforts of other departments such as Rescue 1122, the police, civil defense, commissioners, deputy commissioners, and cabinet members for their teamwork and commitment during the recent floods. She mentioned that Suthra Punjab workers even formed human chains to stop floodwaters from spreading — a testament to their courage and unity during emergencies.

Largest Sanitation Force in the World

Acknowledging their efforts, Maryam Nawaz applauded Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique and the Secretary of Local Government for their outstanding performance. She revealed that Punjab’s sanitation force now has 150,000 active workers, making it the largest sanitation team in the world. She highlighted that this achievement showcases Punjab’s progress and organizational strength under her leadership.

Criticism of Previous Governments

Maryam Nawaz criticized past administrations for their poor handling of the sanitation system. She said, “After Shahbaz Sharif’s government ended, the sanitation system collapsed completely. During the time of ‘Gogi and Pinky,’ garbage piles filled every street and road.” She claimed that her government successfully restored the system within just a few months, turning Punjab back into a clean and livable province.

Cleaner Punjab in Record Time

Sharing an example, the Chief Minister said, “During Eid-ul-Azha in the past, animal waste used to stay in the streets for many days, even weeks. But now, we clear everything within just two hours.” She credited this efficiency to the new modern cleaning system introduced under the Suthra Punjab project.

Expansion of Cleaning Machinery and Equipment

Maryam Nawaz further shared that every district in Punjab now has its own sanitation machinery, including 35,000 pieces of equipment such as waste trucks, sweepers, and containers. Thousands of new waste bins have been placed in public areas to make waste management easier and faster. She announced that within one year, a state-of-the-art Suthra Punjab system will be fully implemented across all districts in Punjab.

Changing Public Perception

The Chief Minister also spoke about how the public’s attitude toward sanitation workers has changed. “People no longer call them ‘garbage collectors.’ Now, they are respectfully called ‘cleanliness workers,’” she said. This shift, she explained, reflects a growing sense of respect and recognition for the people who work behind the scenes to keep communities clean.

Focus on Education, Health, and Development

Maryam Nawaz also touched on other key areas of governance such as education, healthcare, roads, and public welfare. She said these are the basic rights of every citizen and promised to serve the people with sincerity and dedication. To support students, she announced new scholarships and laptop schemes, ensuring that no student’s education is interrupted because of financial difficulties.

Ensuring Safety and Reducing Crime

The Chief Minister highlighted improvements in law and order, declaring that the crime rate in Punjab has dropped significantly. She added that her administration takes strong action against crimes, especially those involving women’s harassment. “Those who harass women are now arrested within 24 hours,” she stated firmly.

Responding to Critics

In a lighter moment, Maryam Nawaz took a jab at her political critics, saying, “I am not just cleaning Punjab’s streets — I am also cleaning the minds of those who burn with jealousy at our progress.” She said that even Shahbaz Sharif, her father and former Chief Minister, now praises her leadership and performance, despite earlier doubts from critics about her capability to govern such a large province.

A Vision for a Cleaner and Prosperous Pakistan

Concluding her speech, Maryam Nawaz said, “A revolution of development and cleanliness is taking place in Punjab.” She expressed her wish to see Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also become clean and prosperous like Punjab. “If roads are broken, buses are damaged, or daily essentials are expensive, people should hold their own governments accountable,” she emphasized.

She ended with a strong message: “Development, cleanliness, education, and employment are the basic rights of the people — and I am fully committed to providing them.”

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