Wazirabad, a city of over 1 million people, was upgraded to district status by the Punjab government in August 2022 a decision confirmed again in December 2024 after legal battles and delays. This change was meant to bring government services closer to the people and reduce dependence on Gujranwala.
However, even after almost two years, no regular Deputy Commissioner, District Police Officer or other key officers have been posted in Wazirabad. These duties are still being handled from Gujranwala, which defeats the purpose of making Wazirabad a district. Without a full-time administration, land disputes remain unresolved for long periods, development projects lack proper supervision, and citizens still have to travel for official work.
Instead of considering a reversal of district status, the government should make Wazirabad’s district status meaningful by posting a complete set of district officers immediately. This will finally deliver the benefits that the people of Wazirabad were promised.
Rehan Aamir Malik
Wazirabad
