Voters in AJK endorse Punjab govt’s track record: Minister

LAHORE: Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin has said that voters in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections endorsed the Punjab government’s governance track record and vowed that the provincial administration will continue setting new benchmarks in public service and urban development.

He expressed these views while addressing the ‘khuli kachehri’ (open public forum) in his constituency on Monday to address their grievances. He further said that they proudly stand by their achievements, and others should also speak based on their performance.

He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial team would continue working diligently to make Punjab’s performance exemplary. “Our commitment to politics is rooted in public service, and the world would see Punjab setting new benchmarks in development. My constituency would remain his top priority and committed to dedicating his life to serving its residents,” he added.

Bilal Yasin added that every possible resource was being utilised to provide modern civic facilities to the people. He emphasised that serving citizens and resolving their issues at their doorstep is the policy of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

On this occasion, he listened to public complaints and issued immediate directions to the relevant departments and officials for their resolution.

Meanwhile, the Minister visited the WASA Lahore Monsoon Control Room. WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed and Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed accompanied him. During his visit, he reviewed drainage operations from the control room and inspected conditions in various areas of the city via live camera feeds.

On this occasion, the WASA Lahore Managing Director said the staffs are actively working in the field 24 hours a day during the rain, and the drainage process is ongoing, according to the, adding that all underpasses are clear.

The Minister instructed WASA Lahore that rainwater should be removed from streets and alleys immediately. He also issued instructions to the traffic police regarding the increased public use of underpasses during heavy rain and emphasised the need to keep alternative routes open.

He appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain. He also instructed staff to ensure that the screens of all disposal stations are kept clean at all times and ordered that all operational preparations be completed before any further rainfall.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026