Punjab police ramp up counterterror measures

Banned outfits to face strict monitoring as joint CTD-police operations expand

LAHORE:

Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar has ordered a high-security alert across the province and directed the immediate launch of sweep and combing operations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan and all other districts.

The directives were issued during an important video-link meeting held at the Central Police Office on Monday.

Dr Anwar instructed SDPOs and SHOs to conduct joint operations with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies. He also directed CTD, field officers and relevant departments to conduct mock security exercises in educational institutions, stressing that CCTV surveillance, trained security guards and emergency evacuation plans at all entry and exit points of schools and colleges must be ensured without exception.

The IG Punjab ordered profiling and data verification of all individuals entering the province from other regions. He said monitoring of all banned organisations, including TLP, must continue regularly, and door-knocking campaigns should be intensified to track potential militants and miscreants.

Dr Anwar acknowledged the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for strict crackdowns on traffic violations, crime control and anti-narcotics efforts.

He noted a significant development in traffic reforms, stating that driving licence issuance has increased by more than 930% in recent weeks due to sustained operations and awareness campaigns.

He praised DIG Operations Lahore, Faisal Kamran, for achieving a 46% reduction in crime in the provincial capital, and commended the CTD for its strong performance in crime-fighting and anti-narcotics operations.

IG Punjab also lauded DIG Traffic Waqas Nazir for improved traffic enforcement, reduced road accidents and a notable rise in licence issuance.

Dr Anwar further announced that 3,500 additional promotions will be granted within Punjab Police in the coming days.

The meeting was attended by Additional IG Special Branch Rao Abdul Kareem, Additional IG CTD Muhammad Waseem Sial, Additional IG Operations Punjab Muhammad Ali Naikokara, AIG Operations and AIG Admin & Security. Additional IG South Punjab, all RPOs, DIG Operations Lahore, CPOs, DPOs and Ros participated via video link.