LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while taking notice of the sudden increase in crime rate across the province, said the rising trend in crime was “shameful and alarming.” She expressed concern that crimes were occurring despite the establishment of Safe City projects across the province.
The CM convened an emergency meeting during which, she personally showed videos of recent criminal incidents to participants, expressing strong displeasure and seeking explanations from the concerned police officers.
The meeting set targets for proactive measures to curb crime. The Chief Minister also reprimanded officials over failure to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, directing Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to extend full cooperation to the Crime Control Department (CCD).
Addressing RPOs, City Police Officers (CPOs), and DPOs via video link, the CM Maryam Nawaz remarked that despite significant efforts to make Punjab a safer region, there was no room for complacency. “The growing incidents of murder, robbery, kidnapping, and disappearances are absolutely unacceptable,” she said, adding that even the smallest crime must be prevented.
She emphasized 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 were made on political affiliations, whereas now political interference had been eliminated.
The Chief Minister said she personally conducts final interviews of police officers and has provided them with ample resources, including budget, weapons, equipment, and vehicles. “Even my family expressed concern when I took ownership of 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 worsening crime in Gujrat, where passengers were robbed after a bus was stopped. “Such incidents create fear; where robbery can occur, murder can also happen,” she warned.
The CM said the statistics on narcotics-related cases were “embarrassing.” Citing another incident, she noted that a Speedo bus conductor 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 — an unprecedented amount in the province’s history.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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