Punjab revives village watchmen system for rural security

LAHORE: The Punjab Board of Revenue has decided to restore the traditional village watchmen system in rural areas of the province as part of efforts to improve local security and protection for residents.

The board has issued directions to all deputy commissioners in Punjab to reactivate the system. A circular has also been circulated setting out steps for the regular payment of salaries to village watchmen through a structured mechanism.

Under the revived arrangement, a monthly contribution of Rs50 will be collected from each household and shop to ensure timely salary payments for watchmen. Authorities have also been instructed to fill vacant watchmen posts without delay.

The move is aimed at restoring a long-standing rural security system in South Asia under which a village watchman traditionally carried out night patrols, reported suspicious activity, protected crops and livestock, and informed local revenue officials during emergencies. The new directives also provide for a transparent collection and payment system, merit-based recruitment without political interference, and the formation of watchmen committees at the union council level comprising numberdars, patwaris and local notables.