Punjab chief minister reaffirms merit-based governance while increasing consultations with PML-N legislators to improve coordination and public service delivery.
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expanded direct engagement with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmakers as part of an effort to strengthen coordination between elected representatives and the provincial administration while addressing concerns raised by legislators.
On Friday, the chief minister met PML-N members of the Punjab Assembly from Bahawalnagar to review the political situation, discuss ongoing development projects, and hear issues affecting local communities. The meeting followed a similar consultation with lawmakers from Mandi Bahauddin last week, signaling a broader strategy to maintain regular communication within the ruling party.
The renewed outreach comes after several legislators, particularly those representing rural constituencies, expressed concerns that district officials and police were not responding adequately when they raised public issues on behalf of their constituents.
Since taking office in February 2024, Maryam Nawaz has consistently maintained that administrative and police appointments should remain free from political influence. Her government has continued to emphasize merit-based postings and transfers, describing the policy as essential for improving transparency, professionalism, and institutional performance.
While supporting the government’s reform agenda, party lawmakers have argued that stronger coordination with local officials is necessary to resolve public complaints more efficiently. According to party sources, legislators are not seeking authority over appointments but want district administrations and law enforcement agencies to respond promptly and respectfully to legitimate concerns brought forward by elected representatives.
Senior party figures said the chief minister has been encouraged to continue holding regular consultations with lawmakers to ensure their feedback is heard while preserving the government’s commitment to merit-based governance.
The Punjab government has reiterated that its policy on transparent appointments remains unchanged. Officials say the administration is focused on reducing political interference in the bureaucracy while improving public service delivery across the province.
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