Punjab Chief Minister Warns of Greater Threat from Neighbouring Provinces

Key Takeaways

Punjab faces a greater security threat from neighbouring provinces than from neighbouring countries, according to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The province has seen a significant improvement in law and order since her government took office in 2024.
Punjab has invested in technology and security, including the deployment of thermal cameras and drones, to protect its borders.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has warned that the province faces a greater security threat from neighbouring provinces than from neighbouring countries. Speaking at an AI technology event in Lahore, she highlighted the ongoing challenges and the measures being taken to address them.

In her address, Chief Minister Nawaz stated, 'The unfortunate thing is that the threat [Punjab] faces comes less from my neighbouring countries and more from my neighbouring provinces.' She emphasized that terrorism enters Punjab from these provincial borders, stressing the need for enhanced security measures.

Acknowledging the progress made, Nawaz noted that there had been a significant improvement in the law and order situation since her government came to power. She identified organised crime and religious intolerance as some of the main challenges that Punjab continues to face.

The chief minister also highlighted the significant investment in technology and security. She mentioned that Punjab is now the country's most AI-enabled province, with billions of rupees invested in technology and security to protect and strengthen the province.

Nawaz recalled that when she assumed office, she discovered that terrorists possessed more advanced technology than the government, including night-vision cameras, and were carrying out attacks with carefully devised plans. She stated, 'Thank God, we now have a complete system in place.'

To further enhance security, cameras have been made bulletproof, and thermal cameras and drones have been deployed at checkpoints and joint checkpoints. Nawaz attributed the improvement in security to the investment in fortification and technology, noting that attacks still occur but the loss of life has been significantly reduced.

The chief minister also addressed the issue of katcha areas, which were previously a hub of terrorism and crime. With the support from the military and the cooperation of the Sindh government, the situation has now changed, and the area has become largely crime-free, with the writ of the state established.

In a broader context, Nawaz expressed concern over corruption, stating, 'We have become so accustomed to corruption that it has become part of our daily routine.' She announced that she had decided 'a few days ago' to take action against elements involved in corruption, ensuring immediate action against corrupt elements to restore public trust.

Nawaz concluded by emphasizing the importance of public trust in the state, stating, 'If people do not trust their state, that country can never move forward.'

The unfortunate thing is that the threat [Punjab] faces comes less from my neighbouring countries and more from my neighbouring provinces.
Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Chief Minister