Key Takeaways
- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave police four weeks to improve law and order.
- She directed intensified action against crimes against women and children, corruption, and illegal weapons.
- The overall crime rate in Punjab continued to decline, with significant reductions in Lahore and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the police to improve the overall law and order situation, particularly crimes against women and children, within four weeks. She emphasized the need for strict enforcement of bans and preventive measures against illegal activities.
During a special meeting on law and order, attended by Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) through video link, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the law and order situation in Rawalpindi Division. She directed the police to intensify action against serious crimes, corruption within the force, and illegal possession of weapons.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif also ordered an intensified anti-corruption campaign within the police department and strict action against personnel involved in corrupt practices. She directed the police to prevent wheat smuggling from all districts, particularly areas along provincial borders, and ensure a visible presence of law enforcement personnel through province-wide patrolling.
The Chief Minister praised the RMC police force for its effective performance during the proposed sit-in and directed the provision of lifetime salaries and financial packages for the families of martyred police officers. She also ordered the Dolphin Force in Lahore to be provided with motorcycles and other necessary facilities.
Expressing dissatisfaction with traffic management, she directed the police to ensure action against over speeding. She also ordered an intensified crackdown on narcotics and comprehensive measures to identify crime hotspots and dismantle criminal networks.
According to the briefing, the overall crime rate in Punjab continued to show a declining trend. Significant reductions were reported in several regions and districts, with crime in Lahore declining by 41 percent and the Dera Ghazi Khan region recording a 16 percent reduction.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif also directed the authorities to continue capacity-building of the specialised RMC police force to effectively deal with crowds and maintain law and order. She said there would be no tolerance for the culture of hooliganism in Punjab and that those involved would not be spared.
The Chief Minister's directives reflect a comprehensive approach to improving law and order, focusing on both prevention and enforcement. The emphasis on strict measures and support for police personnel underscores the government's commitment to addressing security concerns in Punjab.
