Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Punjab Azma Bokhari has said that under the supervision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, detailed preparations for cattle markets were initiated weeks in advance to ensure smooth arrangements this Eidul Adha.
She stated that all cattle markets across Punjab have been established only at designated and approved locations, while illegal markets have not been allowed. Extraordinary cleanliness arrangements have been ensured to provide a comfortable and hygienic environment for citizens and traders.
Azma Bokhari said that “Suthra Punjab” has become a flagship cleanliness programme of the Punjab government, which is now being recognized not only nationally but also internationally, with other provinces showing interest in its model.
She added that district administrations, police, and relevant agencies are fully active on ground to ensure security, facilitation, and public service in cattle markets. State-of-the-art cattle markets have been established with effective security mechanisms in place. She noted that incidents of fraud and theft involving traders, common in the past, have not been reported this year due to improved governance and planning.
Highlighting cleanliness initiatives, she said that innovative measures have been introduced this year, including the use of rose water and lime to maintain hygiene and freshness in public spaces. Even mosques and imambargahs are being washed with rose water to enhance cleanliness, fragrance, and overall environment.
Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq said that on the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, improved Eid arrangements are being ensured compared to last year.
He said that 288 cattle sale points have been established across Punjab, and under the Punjab Cattle Marketing and Management Company, traders are being provided free facilities at most designated locations. No animal sale is permitted outside assigned points.
Zeeshan Rafiq said that additional resources have been allocated for Eid-ul-Adha cleanliness operations. This year, 7,000 waste collection points, enclosures, and trenches have been established across Punjab for proper disposal of animal waste.
He said a comprehensive system has been designed under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative, where special squads equipped with loudspeaker-fitted loaders will visit neighborhoods to collect waste directly from citizens.
He urged citizens not to dump animal remains in vacant plots, drains, or canals, warning that violations may result in fines of up to Rs. 50,000.
He further said that the cleanliness operation will begin a night before Eid, covering mosques, Eidgahs, and sacrifice sites. A total of 184,000 workers will participate in the operation, which will continue until the fourth day of Eid. Monitoring will also be carried out via Safe City cameras and boat surveillance in Lahore canal areas.
According to him, over 20 million kg of lime, 150,000 liters of phenyl, and 40,000 liters of rose water will be used to control odor and ensure sanitation. Additionally, 4,500 Eid operation camps will be set up across Punjab, and 12 million eco-friendly bags will be distributed.
Responding to questions, Azma Bokhari said that those who claim to be champions of free speech often remain silent on serious issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She said corruption allegations emerging from the province are factual and demand answers, including reports of large-scale financial irregularities.
She criticized what she termed a selective approach to accountability, stating that strong reactions are seen when questions are raised in Punjab, but silence prevails on similar issues elsewhere.
She emphasized that effective governance requires consistency in accountability and urged media organizations to avoid double standards.
Azma Bokhari said that cleanliness during Eid is a shared responsibility between the government and citizens. She urged people not to litter and to fully cooperate with sanitation workers.
She paid tribute to sanitation workers, calling them the real heroes who continue cleaning during Eid holidays. She urged citizens to respect and support them.
She further clarified that action is taken immediately whenever reports of negligence emerge, and legal proceedings have been initiated where required.
She concluded that the government has provided facilities such as collection bags and designated points, and if citizens cooperate, there will be no fines and no sanitation issues.