Crackdown on police corruption ordered

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered a crackdown on corrupt elements within the police and directed the inspector general to identify and weed out such officials within a week.

Presiding over a meeting on law and order, the chief minister said maintaining peace and protecting the lives and property of citizens remained the government's top priority.

It was decided to bring the operational control of the Dolphin Police under the jurisdiction of the police stations.

The chief minister set September 30 as the deadline for equipping Punjab Police personnel with body cameras.

She sought a comprehensive plan to ensure effective curbing of crimes against women and children and ordered a zero-tolerance policy against those involved in such offences.

She also approved the installation of GPS devices and cameras in prisoner vans and directed authorities to take strict action over escape of prisoners.

The chief minister ordered that police officers known for corruption should not be appointed as station house officers (SHOs) and called for strict action against corrupt officials.

She also directed the police to intensify efforts to curb burglary and ordered a clean-up operation in Sheikhupura to eliminate crimes.

The IGP stated that the overall crime situation in the province had improved, with robberies, murders and vehicle theft declining.

The chief minister said the district police officers would be held accountable where crime rates remained high.

"Children and women are my red line. No one will be spared for crimes against them," she said, adding that the government would fulfil its responsibility of protecting the citizens.