CHAKWAL - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is set to visit Chakwal on Tuesday, September 30, to inaugurate various development projects and distribute laptops to outstanding students at the University of Chakwal. The district administration has confirmed that all necessary preparations for the high-profile visit have been finalized. However, concerns have been raised about whether officials have solely focused on protocol arrangements, overlooking the genuine hardships faced by the residents. Local journalists have highlighted restrictions on media access to the Chief Minister's venues, further fueling worries about transparency.
Residents of Chakwal are grappling with significant civic issues. The ongoing replacement of the city's gas pipeline has resulted in streets being dug up, transforming them into deteriorating pathways. Individuals affected by the Chappar Bazaar demolition and the flood-affected residents of Bhoun are still awaiting relief. In the vicinity of the District Headquarters Hospital, uncovered open manholes have become a daily safety risk, leading to frequent accidents. Additionally, the inner city is experiencing a critical drinking water shortage, with minimal administrative intervention visible. The Chief Minister is anticipated to inaugurate the Centre of Excellence Chakwal and assess the facilities at the DHQ Hospital during her visit. However, citizens are questioning the value of an inspection when patients and their families are at risk of accidents near open drains outside the hospital. The administration has also announced that Maryam Nawaz will launch the Chakwal Electric Bus Service, deploying 15 modern buses on routes to Dhudial, Balkasar, Neela Dullah, Jhatla Jasswal, Malhal Mughlan, and Bhoun.
Nonetheless, frustration and concerns of neglect have arisen as residents of Kallar Kahar and Choha Saidan Shah have once again been omitted from the project.
Political and civic figures are urging that the Chief Minister's visit should not be limited to symbolic gestures and photo opportunities. A local activist emphasized the need for the Chief Minister to address the grievances of those affected and provide tangible relief. Previous visits, including one during recent floods, were characterized by heavy stage-managing, resulting in ordinary citizens and victims feeling disconnected from the provincial leadership.
Without concrete actions, locals fear that this visit will be remembered for ceremonies and speeches rather than for delivering solutions to their daily challenges.
