Punjab crime drops as Maryam govt vows tougher crackdown, women’s safety: Azma

• Information Minister Azma Bokhari says law and order situation improves across the province

• Credits effective policies of Punjab govt for significant decline in crime, saying CCD set to be upgraded into premier anti-crime agency

• Declares women’s protection ‘first priority’ and red line of provincial government

 LAHORE: Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari on Saturday said the crime rate in Punjab has declined significantly, adding that the overall law and order situation across the province has improved markedly in recent months.

She attributed the reduction in crime to the effective strategy and policy measures introduced under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to Azma Bokhari, the Crime Control Department (CCD) and the Punjab Police have played a pivotal role in curbing criminal activities across the province. Owing to their coordinated and proactive efforts, even routine street crime incidents have decreased considerably in several districts.

Azma Bokhari further said that, in view of growing public confidence and appreciation for the CCD’s performance, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has decided to transform the department into a premier law-enforcement agency so that more effective and swift action can be taken against criminal elements.

The provincial information minister added that the latest law and order indicators and crime statistics in Punjab were encouraging and reflected the government’s effective governance, administrative oversight and policy implementation.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to public safety, she said no one in Punjab could now dare to cast an evil eye on any mother, sister or daughter, as the protection of women remains the foremost priority and a clear red line set by the chief minister.

Azma Bokhari also stated that every officer and official of the Punjab Police has been directed to adopt a courteous and respectful attitude toward citizens and address them as “Sir” and “Janab”, a move aimed at strengthening mutual trust, respect and cooperation between the police and the public.

Info minister expresses deep sorrow and grief over passing of veteran actor Shujaat Hashmi.

Meanwhile, the provincial minister expressed deep sorrow and grief over the passing of veteran actor Shujaat Hashmi.

In her condolence message, Azma Bokhari extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, stating that Shujaat Hashmi’s valuable contributions to the field of arts and culture would always be remembered. She said he was a talented and seasoned performer who earned a distinguished place in the entertainment industry through his remarkable roles and memorable performances.

She added that the artistic legacy and iconic characters portrayed by Shujaat Hashmi would continue to live in the hearts of audiences for years to come, noting that his passing had created a void that would be felt for a long time.

The minister further said that the Punjab government shared the grief of the bereaved family in this difficult time and prayed that Almighty Allah may grant the departed soul a high place in His mercy and bestow patience upon the family.