CM Maryam cracks down on crime surge, sets tough targets for Police

• Punjab CM summons emergency meeting amid rising crime wave, terming crime trend ‘shameful and alarming’

• Screens crime videos, demands accountability and results, reprimanding RPOs and DPOs over failures in Sheikhupura, Faisalabad

 LAHORE: Taking stern notice of a sudden spike in crime across the province, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting, set targets for proactive policing, and reprimanded officials over their failure to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, according to a DGPR handout.

During the special session — held to review the law and order situation and finalise a comprehensive strategy — the chief minister personally played videos of recent criminal incidents, expressing strong displeasure and demanding explanations from the concerned police officers, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

She again reprimanded officials over the deteriorating situation in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, directing Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure full coordination with the Crime Control Department (CCD).

Addressing RPOs, City Police Officers (CPOs) and DPOs via video link, CM Maryam Nawaz termed the rising crime trend “shameful and alarming,” warning that there was no room for complacency despite sustained efforts to make Punjab safer. “The growing incidents of murder, robbery, kidnapping and disappearances are absolutely unacceptable,” she said, stressing that even minor crimes must be prevented.

She emphasised that the police had been freed from all forms of interference and must now deliver results. “We have faced criticism from all sides due to 100 per cent merit-based policing, but no police officer should now fear political pressure,” she said, adding that unlike the past, appointments were no longer based on political affiliations.

The chief minister said she personally conducts final interviews of police officers and has ensured the provision of ample resources — including budget, weapons, equipment and vehicles. “Even my family expressed concern when I took ownership of CCD, but our goal is to ensure a sense of protection and peace for the public,” she added, vowing strict action to restore law and order.

Referring to specific incidents, she described a video showing a car battery theft in Gulberg as “shameful” and pointed to worsening conditions in Gujrat, where passengers were robbed after a bus was intercepted. “Such incidents create fear; where robbery can occur, murder can also happen,” she warned.

CM Maryam Nawaz also voiced concern that crimes were taking place despite the establishment of Safe City projects across Punjab, and termed the statistics on narcotics-related cases “embarrassing.”

Citing another incident, she said a Speedo bus conductor had assaulted a child, adding that such acts would not occur if there were a genuine fear of the law. She noted that the police had been allocated a record Rs527 billion over the past two years — the highest in the province’s history.

CM lauds security forces for killing 18 terrorists in Khyber

Meanwhile, the Punjab chief minister paid tribute to security forces for killing 18 terrorists in Khyber district, praising the success of ongoing operations and reaffirming that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism.

CM urges forest protection, reduced emissions on Earth Day

In a related development, CM Maryam Nawaz underscored the need to protect forests, cut carbon emissions and promote a green economy on the occasion of Earth Day.

وزیر اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا عالمی یومِ ارض پر خصوصی پیغام اور پنجاب کو سرسبز و شاداب بنانے کے لیے اہم اقدامات کا اعلان۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/6KdEFAItJi

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) April 22, 2026

In her message, she paid tribute to individuals and organisations working to protect the environment and promote harmony with nature, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the planet.

She urged the public to abandon plastic use and adopt tree plantation, stressing that every citizen must contribute to environmental protection.

The chief minister said the Punjab government had initiated a 10-year Climate Change Action Plan, noting that the Earth was a trust for future generations. She added that a zero-plastic waste policy had been adopted and the province’s first “Smart Environment Force” established.

Highlighting ongoing mega environmental projects, she said making the Earth greener was the most effective weapon against climate change, directing provincial ministers to actively participate in tree plantation drives and awareness campaigns.

She emphasised that Earth Day serves to highlight environmental threats and called for collective efforts to protect natural resources, reduce pollution and mitigate climate change impacts, reiterating the commitment to leave behind a healthier, greener planet for future generations.