Maryam Nawaz Gives Punjab Police Four Weeks to Improve Performance, Warns of Removals
LAHORE:Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given field officers across the province four weeks to improve law and order, curb crimes against women and children, and enhance police performance, warning that negligent officials will be removed from their posts if they fail to deliver within the stipulated period.
According to an official statement, the chief minister issued the directives while chairing a special meeting on law and order, attended virtually by regional police officers (RPOs) and district police officers (DPOs) from across Punjab.
The meeting reviewed detailed briefings on crime rates and the overall security situation in all divisions and districts. Maryam Nawaz expressed serious concern over crimes against women and children and ordered immediate, extraordinary measures to prevent such offences.
### Crackdown on Smuggling, Corruption and Illegal Weapons
The chief minister directed authorities to stop wheat smuggling in all districts, particularly in border areas. She also ordered an intensified anti-corruption campaign within the police department, with indiscriminate action against officials found involved in corrupt practices.
Expressing dissatisfaction with traffic management, she called for strict legal action against speeding on highways.
She also ordered preventive action against individuals possessing illegal weapons and directed authorities to ensure major recoveries of illicit arms. In addition, she instructed officials to strictly enforce the ban on camera-equipped glasses and other covert surveillance devices.
### Increased Patrols and Weekly Performance Reviews
Maryam Nawaz directed police officials to strengthen patrolling across Punjab to ensure a visible police presence in all areas and deter criminal activity.
She specifically instructed authorities to provide motorcycles and other necessary facilities to Lahore’s Dolphin Force without delay.
The law and order situation in the Rawalpindi Division was also discussed with particular concern.
The chief minister instructed all RPOs to hold weekly meetings focused on crime prevention and regularly submit performance reports on the relevant DPOs.
She said criminal intimidation and lawlessness would not be tolerated in Punjab and ordered a comprehensive crackdown to eliminate drugs, identify crime hotspots and dismantle criminal networks.
### Riot-Control Force to Be Strengthened
The meeting also reviewed efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the specialised RMC police force, which is responsible for handling crowds and protests.
Maryam Nawaz praised the force for what she described as its professional and responsible performance during a recently proposed sit-in.
Remembering police personnel who had lost their lives while on duty, the chief minister directed authorities to provide the families of martyred police officers with lifetime salary payments and a special compensation package.
The directives form part of the provincial government’s stated efforts to strengthen policing, improve accountability and address crime across Punjab.
