Punjab CM sets 3-month deadline for sweeping police reforms in Punjab

• CM Maryam Nawaz orders top cops to personally seek public feedback on policing

• Approve installation of panic buttons, body cameras to ensure accountability at police stations

• Stresses dignity of citizens, zero tolerance for crimes against children

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has set a three-month deadline for comprehensive police reforms, directing the inspector general of police and senior officers to personally engage with citizens to gather public feedback on policing.

Chairing a special meeting to review reform measures, the chief minister ordered that every citizen be treated respectfully by police personnel and approved the installation of panic buttons outside all police stations to ensure swift redress of complaints. She also gave in-principle approval for audio and video recording of investigations, directing that minor complaints against police be resolved within two to three hours.

The chief minister approved funds for body cameras, directing that at least 10 officials in every police station be equipped with them. Under the plan, 14,000 body cameras and 700 panic buttons will be installed across the province. She further ordered the launch of online FIR tracking and a mechanism enabling citizens to register FIRs online for lost documents and identity cards, allowing police to ask five basic questions at the time of registration.

She instructed authorities to strictly enforce lane discipline, directing district administrations and relevant departments to ensure proper lane markings and public awareness on safe road-crossing practices. The meeting also marked the launch of the Traffic Police One App and the Safe City Monitoring App.

During the briefing, officials stated that overall crime in Punjab has declined by 48 per cent, while major crimes have reduced by up to 80pc. It was added that cutting police response time to eight minutes has significantly lowered negative public feedback.

Emphasising zero tolerance, the chief minister said perpetrators of violence against children deserve no leniency, underscoring that police reforms are essential to restore public confidence. She stressed the need for a code of conduct, improved training, behavioural change, and respectful treatment of complainants, particularly women, adding that mobile police stations should reach women unable to visit police facilities.

Reiterating that no citizen is less important than a VIP, she said public dignity must be protected even during security arrangements. She also called for short-, medium- and long-term reform plans, the introduction of citizen management and e-tag information systems, and training initiatives to familiarise college students with policing.

CM expresses grief over Muzaffargarh road accident fatalities

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the death of four motorcyclists killed after being hit by a tanker in Muzaffargarh. In a statement, she conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for them to bear the loss.

CM expresses grief over Bahawalpur–Karachi bus accident deaths

On the other hand, the chief minister expressed deep sorrow over the death of 11 passengers who lost their lives in a collision between a bus travelling from Bahawalpur to Karachi and a trailer. She extended her sympathies and condolences to the affected families and prayed for patience in this difficult time.

CM visits Maryam Nawaz School and Resource Centre for Autism

Meanwhile, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz visited the Maryam Nawaz School and Resource Centre for Autism, where she met children and interacted warmly with them. During the visit, she spent time with autistic children, expressed affection, inspected various sections of the facility, and was briefed by Special Assistant Sania Ashiq Jabeen on the institution’s services and support programmes.