‘Punjab goes high-tech’: CM Maryam launches AI-powered sanitation crackdown

• 40,000 vehicles, 176,000 workers to come under AI watch across Punjab

• CM orders action against ghost staff, absentee workers in Suthra Punjab drive

• AI motorbikes, live cameras to track garbage and sanitation lapses

• On-the-spot fines proposed for illegal dumping ahead of Eidul Azha

 LAHORE: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has decided to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring for sanitation across the province, formally launching a “smart cleanliness” campaign under the Suthra Punjab Programme, which she termed not merely a cleanliness drive but “a social transformation.”

Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday, the chief minister directed that every sanitation-related process be fully documented, transparent and aligned with key performance indicators (KPIs), while ordering strict action against ghost employees, absentee workers and staff who mark attendance but leave duty.

A meeting on "Suthra Punjab" was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz.

🔹Reports were presented on system improvements, AI-based operations, financial matters, and waste-to-value initiatives.

🔹Action was ordered against ghost employees and those… pic.twitter.com/bNAUmKV7Wb

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 5, 2026

The meeting reviewed operational reforms, AI-driven sanitation systems, financial matters and progress on waste-to-value projects.

Officials informed the meeting that nearly 40,000 vehicles and 176,000 sanitation workers across Punjab would be brought under AI-powered monitoring to strengthen oversight and improve service delivery.

Whichever employee it is, whether it's your area in charge or whoever it is, if they are not working, then throw them out because we don't need liabilities.

No compromise on the integrity of the program, on the efficiency of the program, or on the success of the program. pic.twitter.com/xT5MzSREp2

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 5, 2026

Ahead of Eid al-Azha, the chief minister put Suthra Punjab teams on alert and directed authorities to increase the number of waste collection centres across the province to manage the expected surge in sacrificial waste.

Under the new initiative, AI-equipped motorbikes will be deployed to identify and monitor garbage disposal points. The bikes will be fitted with automated cameras capable of live image capturing and real-time field visibility, enabling continuous surveillance of sanitation operations.

مانیٹرنگ فول پروف ہونی چاہیے۔ جتنی مضبوط نگرانی ہوگی اتنی کارکردگی بہتر ہوگی اور کیریئر مواقع بڑھیں گے۔ کمپلینٹ مینجمنٹ کو سنجیدگی سے لیں۔ شکایات نظرانداز کرنا ناقابل قبول ہے۔ ہر کال اور ہر شکایت کو فوری حل کریں۔ بروقت ایکشن سے عوام کا اعتماد بڑھے گا اور حکومت اور عوام کے درمیان… pic.twitter.com/d0liUYV0Og

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 5, 2026

Authorities are also considering on-the-spot fines for negligence and for dumping waste outside designated collection points.

The briefing further revealed that digital mapping and a beat system are being introduced, alongside the establishment of an AI-based complaint cell — the first of its kind under the Suthra Punjab programme.

Officials said around 70 per cent of sanitation employees have undergone physical verification, with the process expected to be completed and reach 100 per cent by next week.

ورکرز کا یونیفارم مکمل، صاف اور یکساں ہونا چاہیے۔ آدھا یونیفارم یا مختلف لباس قابل قبول نہیں۔ یہ لوگ ہمارے ہیروز ہیں، انہیں عزت اور شناخت ملنی چاہیے۔ باقاعدہ بریفنگ دیں، حوصلہ بڑھائیں اور اونرشپ دیں۔ گاڑیاں اور مشینری بھی صاف اور درست حالت میں ہوں۔ ٹیمپریری کلیکشن پوائنٹس بند اور… pic.twitter.com/hqe9vX3CzC

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 5, 2026

The chief minister directed that field monitoring of sanitation staff be carried out through AI-backed systems, while the Suthra Punjab helpline (1139) has been centralised to ensure round-the-clock responsiveness.

According to the briefing, more than 10,365 points have been cleared under deep-cleaning operations, while an additional 2,029 attendance points have been established for sanitation workers.

Visuals from a detailed meeting on "Suthra Punjab," chaired by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where an in depth briefing on the initiative was presented. pic.twitter.com/6tLNmSuv7j

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 5, 2026

A new mobile application has also been developed for attendance management, with monitoring officers assigned to each union council for physical verification through the app.

To improve efficiency, daily meetings of managing directors have been made mandatory, while salaries of employees found absent after marking attendance will be deducted.

The chief minister also made it mandatory for sanitation workers to wear uniforms and maintain the cleanliness of operational vehicles.

Performance indicators for door-to-door cleaning have been linked with physical verification, while container clearance will now require photographic evidence.

A uniform AI-based end-to-end digital monitoring system is also being introduced for both urban and rural areas, while the chief minister directed the early completion of the waste-to-value project.

Addressing the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said the Suthra Punjab initiative was “closest to her heart,” describing cleanliness as not merely a slogan but a reflection of collective social values and a trust between the government and the public.

She stressed that public complaints must be resolved immediately and that the monitoring system should be made foolproof.

“Every village should have the same standard of cleanliness as cities,” she said, adding that no part of Punjab should remain deprived of sanitation facilities.

The chief minister said visible improvement in cleanliness must be ensured across the province from the very next day, calling it not just a target but a commitment.

She said cleanliness was a shared responsibility of both the government and citizens and that the initiative aimed to create awareness at the grassroots level.

Referring to international standards, she cited Japan and Singapore as examples where cleanliness is maintained around the clock, stressing that field presence was essential for effective monitoring.

“Spending one hour in the field is better than spending 100 hours in the office,” she remarked, urging officials to increase on-ground supervision.

She warned that corruption and political interference would not be tolerated in the project and made it clear that undocumented work would not be accepted.

Calling sanitation workers “heroes,” the chief minister urged citizens to respect them and ensure that their wages are paid on time.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation that Suthra Punjab — now a multi-billion-rupee initiative backed by advanced technology and a massive workforce — must deliver 100 per cent results.

CM grieves loss of lives in Shakargarh incident

In a related development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious human lives caused by a debris collapse in Shakargarh.

She extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.

The chief minister also sought a report on the incident from the relevant authorities and directed them to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

CM mourns martyrdom of Maulana Idrees Tarangzai

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of former Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam MPA and noted religious scholar Maulana Muhammad Idrees Tarangzai, who was martyred in an attack in Charsadda.

She conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience for them in this difficult time.

CM expresses grief over China factory blast deaths

In another related development, the chief minister expressed sorrow over the deaths of 21 people in an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing factory in China.

She extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, saying Pakistan stood with its Chinese brethren in this hour of grief and difficulty.