In a first for Punjab, the government has established the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in 41 districts, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced while inaugurating the Punjab Sewerage Fleet Phase-I.

The chief minister inspected modern machinery, including suction and jetting machines, as part of efforts to introduce an upgraded sewerage system across the province.

Under Phase-I, 552 machines and vehicles have been provided to 15 districts, while an additional 937 units will be distributed in the next phase.

Maryam Nawaz said arrangements would be completed before the monsoon season to ensure efficient drainage and immediate response to urban flooding in every district.

Separately, a high-level meeting reviewed four major health projects.

Officials said free liver, kidney and cochlear transplants worth millions of rupees had been carried out, along with more than 11,000 successful heart surgeries for children.

Marking World Autism Day, the chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to education, rehabilitation and equal opportunities for children with autism, calling the establishment of Pakistan’s first government autism centre a major milestone.