Pakistan, Aug. 20 -- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has vowed to protect public funds from bribery and corruption, saying transparency and merit will remain key priorities in the province's development projects. She said every rupee belongs to the people.

Addressing a gathering in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said the government would not allow taxpayers' money to be wasted through corruption. She warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in misusing public resources.

The chief minister highlighted the large-scale development projects currently underway across Punjab, involving trillions of rupees in public spending. These include the Kisan Card, Apni Chhat Apna Ghar scheme, road construction, metro projects, green bus...