Govt allocates Rs3.8b for PSCA project expansion

Rs7.4b earmarked for new check posts to counter TTP threats

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has announced its development budget for the financial year 2024-25, allocating substantial funds for the expansion of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) and the construction and revamping of security infrastructure.

The government has earmarked Rs3.8 billion for expanding the Punjab Safe Cities project to 19 districts. Initially launched in Lahore, the project installed over 8,000 cameras across the city.

It later extended to Gujranwala, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur.

Due to an increasing number of attacks on border police posts and stations by the TTP, the Punjab Government has also prioritized security enhancements. Intelligence reports indicate that the TTP has formed a dedicated wing to target provincial border posts.

In response, Punjab Police, in collaboration with top provincial officials, has developed a comprehensive plan to revamp and construct check posts and police stations in border areas, with a budget allocation of 7.4 billion rupees.

Detailed allocations include Rs51.815 million for BMP Police Station Sorrah, District DG Khan, Rs14.538 million for BMP Check Post Darra Safaido, District DG Khan and Rs192.674 million for Interprovincial Joint Check Post at Bawata, District DG Khan.

Around Rs282.287 million have been allocate for Interprovincial Joint Check Posts at Trimin Taunsa, District DG Khan Rs258.670 million rupees for Interprovincial Joint Check Post at Ghazi Ghat, District DG Khan.

Around Rs325.129 million have been set aside for Interprovincial Joint Check Post at Sakhi Sarwar, District DG Khan.

Moreover, Rs3.7 billion will be allocated to improve facilities in jails across Punjab, with the total project cost estimated at over 14 billion rupees. The emergency service Rescue 1122 will receive over Rs1.4 billion rupees in development funds.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique commented on the historic budget, highlighting its focus on enhancing public safety and security while continuing to invest in the province’s health infrastructure.