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Village security system revived in Punjab

Monthly contribution of Rs50 to be collected from each household, shop for payment of salaries to watchmen

Jamil Mirza May 31, 2026 1 min read

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab Board of Revenue has decided to revive the traditional watchmen system in rural areas of the province to enhance security and ensure better protection of residents.

In this regard, the Board has issued directives to all Deputy Commissioners across Punjab for the reactivation of the system. A circular has also been issued outlining measures to ensure regular payment of salaries to village watchmen through a structured mechanism.

According to details, under the revived system, a monthly contribution of Rs50 will be collected from each household and shop to ensure timely payment of salaries to watchmen. Authorities have also been directed to immediately fill vacant posts of village watchmen.

The move is being described as an effort to restore a centuries-old rural security mechanism in South Asia, where a watchman was traditionally responsible for night watch, reporting suspicious activity, protecting crops and livestock, and informing local revenue officials during emergencies. Over time, the system weakened and many posts remained vacant or salaries were delayed for months.

Key features of the new directives include a transparent collection and payment system, merit-based recruitment without political interference, and the formation of watchmen committees at union council level comprising numberdars, patwaris and local notables.

COMMENTS (29)

Muhammad Umar Jaranwala | 1 week ago | Reply Good decisions if proper command and control thanks regards

Manzoor Ahmed | 1 week ago | Reply It s highly commendable and fruitful discussion of the government of Punjab for safe living style even in the village now it s the responsibilities of everyone to cooperate

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CH ZAKIR | 2 weeks ago | Reply This is another stunt of extorting money in the name of village security. Corruption is at its peak in this era. Instead of giving something to villagers this govt employs all means possible to take away from public whatever they have left with.

Muhammad | 2 weeks ago | Reply Good job Excellent

Aamir | 2 weeks ago | Reply How can be this transparent on village neighbour hood level Where we often saw the one who has the powers or corrupt rule every corner of the village or the area from which he belongs. This might be extra burden on government of the salaries r paid from the pocket of gov.

Amir | 2 weeks ago | Reply Who can join this post eligibility

M Muneeb | 2 weeks ago | Reply This PLMN government is currept not giving a little basic facilities to the people of Pakistan especially former middle class people. Increase Texas on everything like 1000Rs electric meter kria import oil in low price and people buy petroleum on twice price

Imran | 2 weeks ago | Reply A new method of corruption is being revived in PB.

Shahzad Anwar | 2 weeks ago | Reply 03435137191

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Muhammad Shamraiz | 2 weeks ago | Reply Instead of relying on the centuries-old system of watchmen operating under the direct control of revenue officials and Numberdars a structure that many believe has contributed to the dysfunction of effective governance the government should adopt modern technology-driven solutions. Investment in surveillance infrastructure particularly security cameras is essential. Furthermore the government should recruit highly educated and competent young professionals establish centralized control rooms and create rapid-response teams. These units should be seamlessly integrated with law enforcement agencies and district administrations to ensure real-time coordination and information sharing. Such a system would enhance transparency accountability and public safety while enabling all stakeholders to work in complete harmony for the greater welfare and convenience of the people.

Haroon | 2 weeks ago | Reply Very good decision longlive Pakistan

Shida | 2 weeks ago | Reply Its simply a money making scheme.

Shafqat | 2 weeks ago | Reply It is good to secure people but watchman post derictly report to Ac office also watchman should be on govt payroll

Muhammad Ilyas | 2 weeks ago | Reply A valuable suggestion Village chokidar selection needs must on the base of age health and arms licence holder is required and appointments No s according to the population of village. Security activities monitor by the local administration police not Numberdar and village commetti. they chek properly daily weakly basis. A duty register maintain by the Chokidar and checked by the police concerning authorised person. A proper system requires launch by the AC DC. in the case of any emergency Chokidar calls the concern police station immediately. Salaries issues responsibility of concerning Assistant Commissioner.

Muhammad Saeed | 2 weeks ago | Reply I think it will not be beneficial through the team of revenu staff whose integrity is challenged at all times. Moreover the wages of the watchmen would not attract them to do night duty effectively. They will manage roll over to others to get more benefits being at home. Instead another very effective method is available which will neither warrant any burden on Govt. Exchequer nor on public. Orders be issued to Police to enroll all particulars of the tenants who sought house on rent be in the knowledge of Counsellor who will keep informed higher. Moreover public be made responsible to inform activities of strangers to Police which as a precautionary measures would definitely escape from great loss.

Zef | 2 weeks ago | Reply What s up with centuries-old rural security mechanism in South Asia Does it mean having a chokidaar I hope they consider coupling whatever they re thinking with advance surveillance and security measures - yes it will be significantly higher in terms of initial cost but you end up with lower running cost s Lower running costs means govt won t subsequently need to pass on the burden on AWAAM-UN-NAAS - and won t be required in loss themselves either.

FIAZ AKHTAR | 2 weeks ago | Reply Nice one g

Munawar | 2 weeks ago | Reply Hello older my new number and big time acussess good nice near you r palee greats view nice wethere and and and

Tony | 2 weeks ago | Reply All numberdars should manage this security system in villages.

Sajid Iqbal | 2 weeks ago | Reply Please avoid involving Numbedars Patwaris and local notables etc... Hire security guards from private agencies. As they are protecting the banks facilities and commercial Malls Gold Markets etc. Please encourage the Patwariless system in the Punjab specifically in rural areas. We must accept this minor amount of 50 rupeers per month which is almost nothing.

Imtiaz khan | 2 weeks ago | Reply No committees r required. Particularly the members proposed would politicise the system. Again what wd be the criteria of selection n inducting notable. Every one has more or less political affiliation n wd further pollute n damage peace. If at all it s necessary the watchmen shd be under supervision of police or institution minus private persons.

Nayyar | 2 weeks ago | Reply How many times the wheel will be reinvented Have we been able to secure our cites towns where hell lot of property tax other urban taxes are collected Start first to secure our cities town and our borders. Plenty of money is collected for this purpose.

Ali | 2 weeks ago | Reply Punjab has population of 12 crore people. 1.5 crore household. 1.7 crore shops... 3.2 crore total collection units X Rs 50 1.6 billion per month... Airplane price will be covered in 8 months Brilliant idea by corrupt govt. They have no money.

Ali | 2 weeks ago | Reply Whereas one CM promised free electricity What about that govt has no direction rudderless governance will end up taking money from public in the names of watchmen toilet cleaning cow dung fee.. Where are women rights group as i expect they will stage a sit in for women be inducted as word watchwomen . After all this society is moving forward to equal gender rights. So women should also play a part in it.

Muhammad Arshad | 2 weeks ago | Reply Why will there be salary of watchman chowkidaar Watchmen Chowkidaars are already given 2 acres of agricultural land for this purpose in every village since British rule.

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