Punjab’s Minister for Information, Uzma Bukhari, has stated that after acknowledgment from members of the United States Congress, the internationally acclaimed magazine Forbes has also recognized the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, particularly her flagship cleanliness and governance initiative, the “Suthra Punjab Programme.”

In her statement, Uzma Bukhari emphasized that the programme, launched only a few months ago, has gained remarkable global attention for its scale, efficiency, and impact. She said that Maryam Nawaz has approached the cleanliness of Punjab with the same dedication and responsibility with which one maintains their own home. According to Bukhari, this commitment has transformed the outlook of cities and villages across the province within a short period of time.

The Information Minister stated that Forbes Magazine has acknowledged the success of Maryam Nawaz’s governance model and the innovative approach behind the Suthra Punjab Programme. She added that the magazine recognised the Chief Minister’s efforts in resolving a decades-old issue related to waste management and civic hygiene, which had persisted for nearly 75 years. “Forbes has noted that Maryam Nawaz has addressed a longstanding challenge in just a matter of months,” Bukhari said.

She further highlighted that prior to the launch of the initiative, cleanliness and municipal services were mostly limited to upscale urban areas. “Previously, proper sanitation was available only in selective parts of big cities,” she said. “However, under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, the standard of cleanliness in rural areas has been brought at par with urban localities.”

According to Uzma Bukhari, this unified standard of cleanliness has not only improved the hygiene and environment of smaller towns and villages but has also created a sense of inclusion among residents who had long felt neglected by municipal authorities. She said that the programme has effectively reduced the urban–rural divide, making visible changes in community spaces, markets, village streets, and public facilities.

The minister also mentioned that this is not the first instance of international recognition for Maryam Nawaz’s work. Earlier, members of the United States Congress had written to her, commending her for her efforts to modernize the brick kiln industry through environmentally friendly interventions. Bukhari said that such acknowledgments reflect the global relevance of Maryam Nawaz’s governance style and her focus on sustainable development.

She added that the Suthra Punjab Programme is being viewed as a model that other countries may adopt to improve their municipal systems. According to Forbes, the world is taking interest in the structure, transparency, and measurable outcomes of the initiative, which combines modern equipment, trained staff, community engagement, and strict monitoring mechanisms.

Uzma Bukhari further noted that the recognition from a renowned platform like Forbes is a matter of pride for Pakistan and a testament to the leadership capabilities of Maryam Nawaz. She said that the Chief Minister’s hands-on approach, regular inspections, and strategy-driven planning have played a critical role in ensuring the programme’s success.

The Information Minister concluded by saying that Punjab is moving towards a new era of development, where improved governance standards will uplift the quality of life for all citizens regardless of their location. She reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to continuing reforms and expanding initiatives that enhance cleanliness, environmental protection, and public welfare.