The true measure of a city’s development cannot be judged solely by its roads, flyovers, or plazas. Rather, it lies in its governance, cleanliness, civic amenities, public relief initiatives, and administrative transparency. Fortunately, Gujranwala is now among those cities where all these aspects are rapidly improving—and the credit for this transformation largely goes to the current Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Naveed Ahmad. He has broken away from traditional bureaucratic practices and established himself as an active, vigilant, principled, and visionary administrator.
It feels like just yesterday when, on my way home from the office, I passed through Gujranwala’s main thoroughfares. The wide, smooth, and spacious roads, uniform and aesthetically pleasing shop signboards, high standards of cleanliness, and the absence of garbage piles or illegal encroachments—it was hard to believe this was the same Gujranwala we once referred to as a "dusty industrial town". It felt as though I was driving through a modern road in Lahore, Karachi, or even a developed country.
This transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of policy initiatives launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and the relentless efforts of a proactive officer like Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad. He, along with his team—including Iqra Mubeen, Shabbir Butt, Faisal Sultan, and others—did not confine themselves within the four walls of their offices. Instead, they directly engaged with the public, listened to their issues, and took practical steps to address them.
During the days of Eid-ul-Adha, the cleanliness campaign run by the Gujranwala Waste Management Company was exemplary. CEO Shahid Abbas Jotha and his team worked tirelessly to ensure prompt removal of animal waste, disinfection through spray of germicidal solutions, and presence in every part of the city. Their efforts are not only commendable but also worthy of emulation. If any city in Punjab enjoyed a clean and hygienic environment after the Eid sacrifices, it was Gujranwala—and the credit goes entirely to the administration.
But, Yes, where there is light, there are shadows too—and it is my duty to highlight those aspects that still need attention.
The condition of areas around Morr Eminabad has yet to receive the same level of attention as central Gujranwala. Illegal encroachments have spread to such an extent that not only is walking difficult, but even driving through is becoming a challenge. Makeshift stalls, small unauthorized constructions, and excavated pits left unaddressed by some departments are a serious hindrance for the locals. The residents are greatly troubled, yet their voices have not reached the central authorities.
These areas are considered somewhat remote, which may be why the monitoring system here is relatively weak. I sincerely request Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad to give special attention to these parts as well. His record shows that once he commits to something, he ensures it is seen through to completion.
If the same administrative dedication shown in central Gujranwala is extended to areas like Morr Eminabad, Wan Bhon, Nowshera Road, Qila Didar Singh, Lohianwala, and other semi-urban and rural regions, then Gujranwala can undoubtedly become a model district in Punjab—and this is not just a claim but a real possibility.
The presence of Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad is nothing short of a blessing for Gujranwala. We must not only wholeheartedly appreciate such talented, principled, and genuinely "public-serving" officers but also support them where improvements are needed.
To conclude, I’ll say this: If you wish to witness the soul of a city flourish, look for sincerity in the heart of its administrator—and Naveed Ahmad’s character is a shining example of that sincerity.
Heartfelt prayers and gratitude from the people of the city of wrestlers to the DC Sahib and his entire team.
