Maryam Nawaz orders tougher policing after rise in crime across Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting after an increase in crime across the province, reviewed videos of recent incidents, and sought explanations from the police officers concerned.

According to the details shared from the meeting, the chief minister expressed strong displeasure over the situation and set targets for proactive steps to reduce crime. She also rebuked officials over their failure to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, and directed regional and district police officers to fully support the Crime Control Department (CCD).

Addressing regional police officers, city police officers and district police officers through video link, Maryam Nawaz described the upward trend in crime as shameful and alarming. She said that despite major efforts to make Punjab safer, there could be no complacency.

"The increasing incidents of murder, robbery, kidnapping and disappearances are absolutely unacceptable," she said, adding that even minor offences must be stopped. The chief minister said the police had been freed from all kinds of interference and now had to produce 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. She added that in the past, postings were made on the basis of political links, whereas political interference had now been removed.

Maryam Nawaz said she had personally conducted final interviews of police officers and had ensured the force was provided resources including budget, weapons, equipment and vehicles. "Even my family expressed concern when I took ownership of the CCD, but our goal is to ensure a sense of protection and peace for the public," she said, while pledging all necessary measures, including strict action, to improve law and order.

Referring to recent incidents, she called a video showing theft of a car battery in Gulberg shameful and also pointed to a deteriorating law and order situation in Gujrat, where passengers were robbed after a bus was stopped.

"Such incidents create fear; where robbery can occur, murder can also happen," she said.

The chief minister also voiced concern that crimes were taking place despite the establishment of Safe City projects in the province. She said the figures relating to narcotics cases were embarrassing. She further cited an incident in which a Speedo bus conductor assaulted a child, saying such acts would not happen if there were fear of the law.

Maryam Nawaz said the police had received a record Rs527 billion budget over the past two years.

Tribute to security forces

Separately, the chief minister paid tribute to security forces after 18 terrorists were killed in Khyber district. She praised the successful operations against terrorists and said the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the continuing fight against terrorism.

Earth Day message

In her Earth Day message, Maryam Nawaz urged people to stop using plastic and plant trees, saying every citizen had a role in protecting the environment. She said the Punjab government had started work on a 10-year Climate Change Action Plan for environmental improvement.

She added that a zero-plastic-waste policy had been adopted in the province and that a Smart Environment Force had been set up for environmental protection. The chief minister also directed all provincial ministers to take an active part in plantation drives and awareness campaigns aimed at protecting the planet.