‘Confidential cell’ established: CM launches zero-tolerance drive against corruption, malpractices

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the launch of a zero-tolerance campaign against corruption and malpractice, with a special confidential cell established to identify corruption and initiate action against those involved.

Helpline 1350 has also been made functional to receive public complaints regarding corruption and malpractice.

The chief minister has directed that reports prepared by the confidential cell be submitted directly to her and that arrests be initiated where necessary. She has also decided to personally monitor action against corruption and made an independent review of the quality and expenditure of every development project mandatory.

The chief minister ordered that action on complaints of corruption be ensured within the stipulated timeframe. She appealed to the public to immediately report any instance of corruption, demand for a bribe or misuse of authority.

“Action will be taken on every complaint and the identity of the complainant will be kept completely confidential,” she said, adding that a single piece of information from the public could help expose an entire network of corruption and bribery.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif said action against corrupt elements would continue until the looted money was fully recovered.

“Corruption is not merely theft of money; it is theft of the rights and trust of the people,” she said.

“Any hand reaching for public money will be stopped.”

She said a modern monitoring system would be utilised to oversee development projects.

“Public trust is the greatest asset of this government and I will not allow it to be compromised,” the chief minister said.

She noted that extensive funds had been released for development projects and warned that no one would be forgiven if even a single penny was not spent transparently.

“Those who perform well will be encouraged through the CM Merit Badge, while those involved in corruption will face the law,” Maryam Nawaz Sharif said.

She declared that every person involved in misappropriation of public money would be sent behind bars.

“Public money will be spent only on the people. I will not allow anyone to eat up public funds. Position, personal connections or recommendations will not be able to save anyone in corruption cases,” she maintained.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026