Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that 54 officers and officials have been suspended or dismissed during the province-wide crackdown against corruption.

Bokhari said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had launched the campaign to tackle corruption across Punjab’s provincial departments. She added that eliminating corruption remained a key priority of the government.

According to the minister, authorities have arrested 48 officers and officials in the Food Department alone.

The crackdown has also resulted in dismissals and disciplinary proceedings against other employees.

Food Department Faces Major Action

Azma Bokhari said six employees had been dismissed from service during the ongoing campaign.

She added that disciplinary proceedings were currently under way against 14 food controllers.

The minister said the government was continuing action against officials accused of wrongdoing. She maintained that the campaign would continue across departments.

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Bokhari also highlighted action involving hospital parking contracts.

Authorities arrested a contractor over alleged overcharging in the parking area of Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur, she said.

Meanwhile, the parking overcharging contract at Chichawatni THQ Hospital was cancelled.

Government Vows to Continue Crackdown

Bokhari described corruption as a major social problem and said the government was pursuing the crackdown without discrimination.

She said the campaign would not target people selectively. According to the minister, the public had broadly supported the government’s efforts to tackle corruption in Punjab.

Bokhari also said Maryam Nawaz had made the elimination of corruption a central part of her administration’s agenda.

The minister claimed that the chief minister had ensured the implementation of decisions taken by her government.

Bokhari Defends Maryam Nawaz

Azma Bokhari also defended Maryam Nawaz against criticism and what she described as negative propaganda.

She said criticism had not weakened the chief minister. Instead, she claimed, it had strengthened her resolve to continue with her policies.

Bokhari maintained that the provincial government would continue taking action against corruption and would use available measures to improve accountability across government departments.

The latest figures reflect the Punjab government’s ongoing campaign against alleged corruption and misconduct among public officials.