Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting after an uptick in crime across the province, reviewed videos of recent incidents, and sought explanations from the police officers concerned, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.
According to the details shared from the meeting, the chief minister expressed strong displeasure over the situation and set targets for proactive steps to reduce crime.
She also rebuked officials over their failure to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, and directed regional and district police officers to fully support the Crime Control Department (CCD).
Addressing regional police officers, city police officers and district police officers through video link, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described the upward trend in crime as shameful and alarming. She said that despite major efforts to make Punjab safer, there could be no complacency.
"The increasing incidents of murder, robbery, kidnapping and disappearances are absolutely unacceptable," she said, adding that even minor offences must be stopped. The chief minister said the police had been freed from all kinds of interference and now had to produce results.
Maryam Nawaz said she had personally conducted final interviews of police officers and had ensured the force was provided 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 said, while pledging all necessary measures, including strict action, to improve law and order.
Referring to recent incidents, she called a video showing theft of a car battery in Gulberg shameful and also pointed to a deteriorating law and order situation in Gujrat, where passengers were robbed after a bus was stopped.
"Such incidents create fear; where robbery can occur, murder can also happen," she said.
The chief minister also voiced concern that crimes were taking place despite the establishment of Safe City projects in the province. She said the figures relating to narcotics cases were embarrassing.
Reporter: Rao Dilshad Hussain