‘Suthra Punjab’ emerges as world’s largest sanitation programme: minister
LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique has said that the Suthra Punjab programme has emerged as the world’s largest sanitation system, directly employing 150,000 people and indirectly supporting millions of families.
He expressed these views while addressing a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony organised by the Suthra Punjab Authority at Huzuri Bagh on Thursday.
Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Musa Raza and Suthra Punjab Authority Director General Babar Sahib Din were also present.
He said that international experts had earlier claimed that establishing an effective sanitation system would take at least 10 years, but under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive network was developed within eight months. “Unlike past governments that made promises, the current administration has delivered tangible results, including job creation and housing initiatives. He added that international media organisations such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the BBC have praised Suthra Punjab, marking a shift from past criticism of Punjab in global forums,” he added.
Rafique further said that the distribution of Maryam Nawaz’s ration cards to Suthra Punjab workers has begun.
He extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community, particularly the workers of Suthra Punjab, and said that Christmas is a festival of joy that is shared by all. He termed Suthra Punjab workers as the “real heroes” behind the success of the sanitation initiative, adding that the project is now being discussed worldwide.
On this occasion, Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian and the Commissioner Lahore also congratulated the workers on Christmas. Shakeel Ahmed Mian said that doubts regarding the success of Suthra Punjab had been proven wrong and emphasised the need to promote civic sense among citizens, including proper waste disposal practices.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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