Punjab Province

The district administration of Khanewal has issued notices to the owners of 70 vacant plots over poor sanitation conditions and cleared accumulated waste from 679 locations as part of an intensified cleanliness campaign under the Suthra Punjab Programme. The initiative, being implemented on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, focuses on improving sanitation in residential neighbourhoods, vacant properties, public spaces and major roads across the district. According to the district administration, road washing and waste removal operations have been accelerated to improve the urban environment and provide residents with cleaner and healthier surroundings.

Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Hina Arshad visited Union Council No. 2 and several residential areas, including Azeem Town, Lakri Mandi, Hakeem Park and localities surrounding City Park, to inspect cleanliness arrangements along streets, roads and public spaces. During the inspections, she sought feedback from residents regarding sanitation services and reviewed the performance of field teams. She directed the authorities concerned to intensify road washing operations using water bowsers and mechanical sweepers, particularly along major thoroughfares, to maintain improved cleanliness standards across urban neighbourhoods.

As part of the district-wide operation, the Suthra Punjab Agency issued notices to 70 vacant plot owners for failing to maintain adequate cleanliness on their properties. Officials also reported the removal of accumulated garbage from 679 locations across the district. The Deputy Commissioner subsequently visited Union Council No. 84 in Chak No. 12-AH, where she assessed the performance of sanitation teams and directed officials to give particular attention to cleanliness in residential areas, streets and public roads. The measures are aimed at addressing waste accumulation on vacant land and improving sanitation conditions in both urban and rural communities.

Later, Hina Arshad visited Government Girls High School in Chak No. 12-AH, where she reviewed student attendance, educational activities and sanitation arrangements. She instructed the school administration and relevant staff to maintain proper cleanliness standards and ensure a healthy learning environment for students. The district administration emphasised the continued implementation of sanitation measures to improve public facilities and maintain cleanliness across Khanewal.

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Syed Hasan Raza has directed government departments to accelerate ongoing development projects across the district and ensure their timely completion to improve civic infrastructure and public service delivery. Chairing a special review meeting on November 12, he assessed progress on schemes being implemented under the Punjab Development Programme, alongside administrative matters, public facilities and the performance of various departments.

He instructed officials to remove implementation delays and ensure that development initiatives deliver practical benefits to residents. The meeting also reviewed ongoing infrastructure improvements, the provision of basic amenities and progress under the Model Village Project, with particular emphasis on effective implementation in rural communities.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the departments concerned to strengthen drainage infrastructure in urban and rural areas, ensure regular cleaning of drains and improve sanitation arrangements to address public health and safety concerns. He ordered the immediate identification of uncovered manholes and installation of protective covers on an emergency basis to prevent accidents. Reviewing the Suthra Punjab Programme, he instructed the responsible agencies to maintain prescribed cleanliness standards and improve waste management operations.

He also directed revenue officials to prioritise pending cases and ensure the prompt resolution of public complaints.

The meeting further examined price monitoring, consumer protection and regulatory enforcement across the district. Syed Hasan Raza directed price control magistrates to intensify inspections of markets and take action against overcharging and profiteering. He also called for advance planning for Ramazan 2027 to ensure adequate supplies of essential food items and price stability. Officials were instructed to monitor consumer facilities at petrol pumps, verify the accuracy of fuel measuring equipment and enforce applicable regulations.

The Deputy Commissioner assessed departmental performance against General Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and progress under the e-Biz initiative, particularly improvements in service delivery and achievement of assigned targets. He emphasised accountability, efficient administration and stronger coordination among departments to ensure timely execution of development schemes and improved public services. Additional Deputy Commissioner Social Services Dr Ayesha Khan, Sub-Divisional Enforcement Officer PERA Force Mujtaba Manzoor and representatives of relevant government departments attended the meeting.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has urged businesses to consider fire and property insurance to protect their assets from unexpected damage and reduce the financial impact of potential losses.

The regulator organised an awareness session in collaboration with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at the chamber’s premises. Business owners, traders and industrialists attended the event, which focused on the risks posed by fire incidents and the role of insurance in helping businesses manage them.
Participants were told that the effects of a fire can extend beyond damage to buildings and equipment. Business closures, lost income and disruptions to employees’ livelihoods can also follow an incident, making fire prevention and adequate insurance coverage important parts of business preparedness.
The session covered protection for commercial properties, machinery, equipment and inventory. Insurance industry representatives explained available fire and property insurance products, policy considerations, coverage options and the claims settlement process.
Speakers also discussed business interruption coverage, which can help companies recover financially after insured losses disrupt their operations. Participants were briefed on Takaful as a Shariah-compliant alternative to conventional insurance and took part in a question-and-answer session on products, coverage and claims.
The initiative is part of the SECP’s efforts to improve insurance awareness and encourage wider coverage among businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The regulator said the effort aims to strengthen financial preparedness and help businesses protect their assets and maintain operations after unexpected losses.