Residents of Pathanwala in Faisalabad expressed deep anger after sewage water flooded a government primary school, leaving banners of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz floating in the dirty water. The unpleasant scene unfolded on Monday at Government Primary School 220 R.B II on Alpha Road. Locals captured videos that quickly spread online and highlighted the sharp contrast between the government’s cleanliness drive and the ground reality.
Children could not reach their classrooms because murky sewage covered the schoolyard and entrance. Even access to a nearby mosque became impossible. Two large banners installed at the school gate under the Suthra Punjab or Clean Punjab campaign featured pictures of Maryam Nawaz. These banners ended up half-submerged in the filthy water, creating an embarrassing visual for the provincial government’s flagship initiative.
Residents blame official negligence
People living in areas like Pathanwala, Naeemabad Road, Bhata Stop, and Alpha Road complained bitterly about repeated sewerage problems. They accused WASA Faisalabad staff of chronic negligence. Workers often remain absent, especially after weekends, which allows drains to choke for days. One resident stood in the sewage water at the gate and openly criticised local officials for failing to fix the long-standing issue.
The Punjab government launched the Suthra Punjab campaign with great fanfare. Officials approved a new sewage and drainage system under the Punjab Development Program more than a year ago. This ambitious plan aims to benefit millions across 189 cities through better bypasses and disposal stations. However, many citizens in Faisalabad feel the promises have not yet translated into real improvements on the ground.
