Repeat offenders to wear GPS-enabled bands

The Punjab Home Department has launched an electronic tracking program to closely monitor habitual offenders province-wide.

In a meeting led by Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, officials agreed that individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and repeat offenders will wear GPS-enabled bands for continuous surveillance.

A total of 1,500 tracking devices have been procured: 900 will be deployed by the Counter Terrorism Department, 500 by the newly formed Crime Control Department, and 100 by the Parole Department.

Mengal directed the import of cutting-edge tracking technology, including micro chips, following expert recommendations to ensure uninterrupted monitoring of high-risk individuals.

Special Home Secretary Fazalur Rehman, Additional IG Crime Control Department Suhail Zafar Chatha, DIG Operations Punjab Waqas?Nazeer, Additional Police Secretary Dr Zeeshan?Hanif, and law and finance representatives attended the meeting.

A Home Department spokesperson stated that this initiative brings Punjab's crime-monitoring infrastructure in line with global standards.

By tracking the movements of recidivist criminals, authorities aim to deter offences before they occur .