Lahore: The Punjab government has decided to tighten monitoring of corruption and misuse of authority in government institutions. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that no room will be left for corruption in the province.
According to the Chief Minister, a special secret cell has been established to identify corruption. The information received from this cell is being directly conveyed to the Chief Minister. Maryam Nawaz has also decided to monitor anti-corruption operations herself.
The government has also activated helpline 1350 for citizens. Citizens can register complaints of bribery, corruption or misuse of official authority through this channel. The official website of the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment also lists 1350 as its helpline.
Maryum Nawaz said that the identity of the citizen who filed the complaint will be kept confidential. According to her, action will be taken on the complaints received. The government is of the view that public information can help in reaching major cases of corruption.
The Chief Minister also made it clear that no one will get protection on the basis of any official position or personal connection. According to her, the action has been directed to continue until the return of the allegedly embezzled government money.
The government has also decided to focus on monitoring development projects. It has been directed to conduct an independent review of the quality and expenditure of the projects. The aim of this step is to increase transparency in the use of government funds.
Maryam Nawaz said that public resources should be used in the public interest. She has also talked about encouraging honest and better-performing officials, while hinting at legal action against those involved in corruption.
