Real-time surveillance of highways planned
The police have launched an initiative to integrate the Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) with the Safe Cities Authority's advanced monitoring network to enhance road safety and law enforcement across the province.
Under the new system, all PHP posts will be digitally connected with the Safe Cities Authority in the districts, enabling real-time monitoring of highways.
"This integrated surveillance system will ensure effective implementation of traffic laws and better protection of citizens' lives and property," said PHP Deputy Inspector General Dr Muhammad Athar Waheed.
A Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed that 39 PHP personnel had been deployed in Safe Cities Authority offices in 13 districts, working in three shifts to ensure 24/7 monitoring.
The system will facilitate immediate reporting of accidents and criminal activities on highways.
The authorities announced plans to install modern cameras at all PHP posts across the province in the next phase of the project. "This integrated network will significantly improve traffic monitoring and allow for automated e-challans against traffic violators," Dr Waheed added.
The initiative represents a significant technological upgrade for highway surveillance in Punjab, combining PHP's ground presence with the Safe Cities Authority's digital monitoring capabilities, the DIG said.
Meanwhile, the Lahore chief traffic officer (CTO) has launched action against 3,896 vehicles belonging to 73 government departments for unpaid e-challans, with notices dispatched for penalty payments.
The CTO revealed that the defaulting vehicles – including some of the police – had been identified through a verification process.
"Detailed records of these vehicles have been compiled and shared with the respective departments," he stated.
The police department vehicles feature prominently among the defaulters, despite being prioritised for clearance.
"Legal notices for penalty settlements have been formally initiated," the CTO said, emphasising equal enforcement of traffic regulations for all vehicles.
Officials indicated strict follow-up actions planned against persistent defaulters.
In another development, a stolen vehicle was traced and recovered in Lahore within minutes with the help of Safe Cities Authority cameras and the suspect was apprehended.
A citizen had parked his vehicle on the Mall Road and left briefly for shopping.
Upon his return, he found the vehicle missing and called the Emergency Helpline 15 to seek police assistance.
As soon as the call was received, a virtual patrolling officer of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority initiated the search using surveillance cameras.
The vehicle was traced at multiple locations and all information was shared with the police station concerned.
The police, acting on the provided information, recovered the vehicle and arrested the suspect.
According to the spokesperson of the Safe Cities Authority, the extensive network of modern surveillance cameras installed across Punjab has made swift crime tracing possible. The spokesperson urged citizens to call the helpline in case of any suspicious activity or emergency, to ensure timely assistance and public safety.
Chairing a meeting to review the arrangements for Eidul Azha, Divisional Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood emphasised the need for organised parking at cattle markets, with the Lahore Parking Company (LePark) assisting in traffic and parking management.
A total of 30 official cattle markets will be established in the division, including six in Lahore, eight in Sheikhupura, six in Nankana Sahib and 10 in Kasur.
Zaid bin Maqsood instructed all deputy commissioners to ensure the provision of all necessary facilities at the cattle markets, including traffic control, organised parking, sanitation, livestock health, medical camps and security arrangements.
With additional input from APP