FAISALABAD (Dunya News) - A female sanitary worker in Faisalabad has won widespread appreciation after returning Rs 900,000 that she found in a garbage bin, turning her act of honesty into a heart-warming example for society.
According to local officials, Nusrat Bibi, who works under Punjab’s “Suthra Punjab” cleanliness programme, found a packet while sweeping a street in the Nighabanpura area. When she opened it, she discovered bundles of currency notes. Without a moment’s hesitation, she reported the discovery to her supervisor, who traced the owner and returned the money.
Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad, Captain (R) Nadeem Nasir, lauded Nusrat Bibi’s honesty, announcing a cash reward of Rs 300,000 along with a commendation certificate. In addition, one of her sons is being offered a job within the district administration in recognition of her integrity.
Speaking to the media, Nusrat Bibi, a mother of five, said she and her husband have always worked hard to support their family through honest means. “We have spent our lives earning halal income and teaching the same to our children. The respect and encouragement I have received is my biggest honour,” she said.
Nusrat Bibi is one of the 130,000 workers employed under the provincial “Suthra Punjab” project, responsible for maintaining cleanliness across cities in the province. Her gesture has highlighted the dedication and ethics of front-line workers often overlooked in society.
The incident comes at a time when the programme itself gained international recognition. Recently, the American magazine Forbes ranked the Suthra Punjab initiative among the world’s most organised waste management systems. Official records show that the system collects and disposes of nearly 50,000 tonnes of waste every day.
Authorities say Nusrat’s example reflects the true spirit of public service and sets a strong message that honesty and integrity remain deeply rooted values in Pakistani society.