LAHORE:
The members of the Provincial Assembly of South Punjab have expressed concerns about the indifferent and lethargic attitude of local bureaucrats, while praising the performance of the main minister.
Legislators shared their complaints during a meeting with the president of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday.
Nawaz, accompanied by his daughter, met with MPA from Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Muzafargarh, followed by another session with Layyah, Rajanpur and DG Khan legislators.
The discussions opened with a speech by Nawaz Sharif, who spoke extensively about the political challenges facing the party and the current state of things.
After their speech, the MPA was invited to share their comments, and many of them praised Maryam and informed their father that government initiatives had been well received in their constituencies.
They particularly chosen their approach based on merit for administrative appointments, and one of them pointed out that all government officers in Punjab were being designated exclusively by merit, without the influence of “sifarish” (or recommendation), a euphemism for undue favor .
He pointed out that, unlike the past, when the influential MPA had control over transfers and publications, the current government had eliminated such practices, and legislators were gradually accepting the change.
However, concerns about the attitude of government officials were also raised.
An MPA said that while the government appoints the officers, it must also account for their performance. He revealed that even CM Maryam recognized the concerns, telling his father that the situation was not as soft as civil officials portrayed.
She admitted that she was not satisfied with the situation of law and order in southern Punjab.
