The Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani said on Saturday that all department heads must formulate, adopt and instigate merit-based policies and selection system in their respective departments to ensure transparency and accountability. Reportedly, he held a high-level meeting with the Punjab Health Secretary Saqib Zafar, the Gujranwala Commissioner Asadullah Faiz, the Rescue and Safety Officer (RSO) Shahid Hanif, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Shoaib Tariq, the City Police Officer (CPO) Dr Moin Masood and other officers in the Commissioner Office in Gujranwala. “All departments should serve the general public effectively, implement development projects and improve services through proper monitoring and control system,” he said. Besides, he also ordered administrative and municipal corporation officers to implement massive clean-up efforts to clear piles of garbage, plastic and rubbish on the priority basis. Furthermore, he urged the concerned officers to focus on the anti-dengue and anti-polio campaigns, and ensure effective flood management measures in the monsoon season. Meanwhile, the police officers were ordered to maintain law and order situation across the division for the protection of the general public. The Commissioner Asadullah Faiz briefed him about the progress of various departments including development, education, health, and the ongoing tree-plantation drive, in particular. Later, the Chief Secretary visited the DHQ Hospital to inspect wards, inquire about the health of patients and facilities being provided to them by the administration. Published in Daily Times, August 19th 2018.