Punjab crime spike alarms CM

Faisalabad, Sheikhupura police reprimanded over failure

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting over an increase in the crime rate across the province, and showed videos of recent criminal incidents to participants, expressing strong displeasure and seeking explanations from the police officers concerned.

Targets were set for proactive measures to curb crimes.

The chief minister reprimanded officials over failure to control crimes in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, directing the regional and district police officers to extend full cooperation to the Crime Control Department (CCD).

Addressing the RPOs, city police officers (CPOs) and DPOs via video link, she said the rising trend of crimes was "shameful and alarming". She remarked that despite significant efforts to make Punjab safe, there was no room for complacency.

"The increasing incidents of murder, robbery, kidnapping and disappearances are absolutely unacceptable," she said, adding that even the smallest crime must be prevented.

She emphasised that the police had been freed from all forms of interference and must now deliver results. "We have faced criticism from all sides due to 100 per cent merit-based policing, but no police officer should now fear political pressure," she added, noting that in the past, appointments had been made on political affiliations, whereas now political interference had been eliminated.

The chief minister said she personally conducted final interviews of police officers and had provided them ample resources, including budget, weapons, equipment and vehicles.

"Even my family expressed concern when I took ownership of the CCD, but our goal is to ensure a sense of protection and peace for the public," she stated, vowing to take all necessary steps - including strict action - to improve law and order.

Referring to specific incidents, she termed the video of a car battery theft in Gulberg as "shameful" and highlighted a worsening crime situation in Gujrat, where passengers had been robbed after a bus was stopped. "Such incidents create fear; where robbery can occur, murder can also happen," she warned.

CM Maryam Nawaz also expressed concern that crimes were occurring despite the establishment of Safe City projects across the province.

She said the statistics on narcotics-related cases were embarrassing.

Citing another incident, she noted that a Speedo bus conductor had assaulted a child, adding that such acts would not occur if there were fear of the law.

The chief minister further stated that the police had been allocated a record Rs527 billion budget over the past two years.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the security forces for killing 18 terrorists in Khyber district. She commended the successful operations carried out against terrorists, stating that the nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

In an Earth Day message, the chief minister appealed to the people to stop the use of plastic and plant trees, stating that every citizen must play their role in environmental protection.

She said the Punjab government had initiated work on a 10-year Climate Change Action Plan aimed at environmental improvement. She highlighted that a zero-plastic-waste policy had been adopted in the province and a Smart Environment Force established for the protection.

She directed all provincial ministers to actively participate in plantation and awareness campaigns to save the planet.