LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a major operation against corruption and malpractice across the province, with a special secret cell established to identify complaints and initiate action.

A public helpline, 1350, has also been activated to receive complaints regarding corruption, bribery and misuse of authority.

Maryam Nawaz said that anyone involved in misappropriating public money would face action and that no one would be protected by position, connections or recommendations.

She urged citizens to immediately report cases where bribes are demanded, corruption takes place or powers are misused. She said action would be ensured within the prescribed timeframe and the identity of complainants would be kept strictly confidential.

The chief minister said action would continue until the recovery of the misappropriated funds. She also directed authorities to use modern monitoring systems to oversee development projects.

Maryam Nawaz said substantial funds had been released for development projects, but no one would be given an exemption if public money was not spent transparently.

DGPR Restructuring Approved

Separately, Maryam Nawaz approved the restructuring of the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and gave approval for a new headquarters building.

During a special meeting, Provincial Information and Culture Minister Uzma Zahid Bukhari briefed the chief minister on the department's affairs. Maryam also directed immediate steps for clearing outstanding media payments and called for third-party validation to assess DGPR's performance.

Mobile Veterinary Fleet Launched

The Punjab government has also activated a mobile veterinary fleet to provide livestock treatment services closer to farmers.

The chief minister inaugurated the initiative, which includes 30 additional mobile veterinary dispensaries and 17 mobile veterinary laboratories.

Officials said the mobile units would provide ultrasound and X-ray facilities, while the laboratories would be capable of conducting around 40 tests on site.

A total of 6,964 mobile motorcycle veterinary assistants will also provide services directly at farmers' livestock farms across Punjab.

Security Forces Praised

Maryam Nawaz also praised security forces for foiling an attempted infiltration by militants near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border close to North Waziristan.

She commended the security forces for killing 15 militants during the operation.