LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif-led government has decided to introduce artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring for sanitation across Punjab, marking the launch of a “smart cleanliness” drive under the Suthra Punjab programme. Officials informed the participants of the meeting that around 40, 000 vehicles and 176, 000 sanitation workers will be monitored through AI systems. The chief minister also issued an alert to the Suthra Punjab teams ahead of Eid al-Adha, directing authorities to increase the number of waste collection centres across the province. Under the new initiative, AI-equipped motorbikes will be introduced to identify garbage. These bikes will feature automated cameras capable of live image capturing and real-time field visibility, enabling continuous monitoring. Authorities are also considering on-the-spot fines for negligence and illegal dumping of waste outside designated collection points. The briefing further revealed that digital mapping and a beat system are being introduced, along with the establishment of an AI-based complaint cell for the first time under the Suthra Punjab programme. Around 70 per cent of employees have undergone physical verification, which is expected to reach 100pc by next week. Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday, the chief minister ordered strict action against ghost employees, absentee staff, and workers who mark attendance but leave duty. The meeting reviewed system improvements, AI-based operations, financial matters, and progress on waste-to-value projects. The chief minister directed that field monitoring of sanitation staff be conducted using AI, while the Suthra Punjab helpline (1139) has been centralised to ensure 24-hour responsiveness. More than 10, 365 points have been cleared through deep cleaning operations, and an additional 2, 029 attendance points have been established for workers. A new mobile application has also been developed for attendance, with monitoring officers assigned to each union council for physical verification through the app. Daily meetings of managing directors have been made mandatory to improve efficiency, while salaries of employees found absent after marking attendance will be deducted. The CM also made it mandatory for sanitation staff to wear uniforms and maintain cleanliness of vehicles. Performance indicators for door-to-door cleaning have been linked with physical verification, and container clearance now requires photographic evidence. A uniform AI-based end-to-end digital monitoring system is being introduced for both urban and rural areas. The chief minister further directed early completion of the waste-to-value project. Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said the Suthra Punjab initiative was “closest to her heart, ” adding that cleanliness was not just a slogan but a reflection of collective societal thinking. “This is not merely a cleanliness project but a social transformation. Every process must be documented, transparent and aligned with KPIs, ” she said, adding that the programme represented a trust between the government and the public. She emphasised that complaints should be resolved immediately and the monitoring system must be foolproof. “Every village should have the same standard of cleanliness as cities, ” she said, expressing her vision that no area of Punjab should remain deprived of sanitation facilities. The chief minister said visible improvement must be ensured across the province from the next day, terming it not just a target but a commitment. She stressed that cleanliness was a shared responsibility of both the government and citizens, adding that the initiative aimed to bring awareness at the grassroots level. Referring to international standards, she cited countries like Japan and Singapore where cleanliness is maintained round the clock, noting 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 no corruption or political interference would be tolerated in the project, and that undocumented work would not be accepted. Calling sanitation workers “heroes, ” the chief minister urged citizens to respect them and ensure their wages are paid on time. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation that Suthra Punjab, now a large-scale initiative involving billions of rupees, advanced technology, and a massive workforce, must deliver 100pc results. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Punjab launches AI-driven ‘Suthra Punjab’ initiative ahead of Eidul Azha
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