Punjab: installation of e-tags on all vehicles made mandatory

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the mandatory installation of e-tags on all vehicles, including motorcycles, across the province and sought a comprehensive micro security plan within seven days.

Chairing a high-level meeting on law and order, the chief minister took a series of key security decisions aimed at strengthening surveillance, border monitoring and counterterrorism preparedness.

The meeting approved the establishment of a Punjab Cyber Crime Investigation Unit and the appointment of its head. A dedicated cell will be set up to address cases involving women and girls affected by cybercrime, while district-level online crime centres will also be established.

The chief minister directed authorities to ensure a ban on movement through non-traditional provincial entry points and ordered strict enforcement of restrictions on drones across the province. Installation of search lights at provincial entry routes and approval for drone surveillance were also granted. She further directed that rooftop security monitoring at checkpoints be ensured and called for immediate steps to procure the latest drone defence systems.

Emphasising proactive policing, she ordered that combing operations against criminals and terrorists continue without interruption. She also instructed that the RMP unit, established for crowd management, be provided advanced training and modern security equipment.

During the meeting, it was agreed that security standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Youm-e-Hazrat Ali (RA) would be finalised after consultation with religious scholars.

The chief minister appreciated the role of scholars in maintaining peace and urged them to continue cooperation in preserving law and order.

She commended Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and the Lahore Police for handling the situation in Lahore and other parts of Punjab in a timely manner.

Addressing the meeting, the chief minister observed that everyone must remain united and vigilant to eliminate terrorism. She termed the entry of a suicide attacker into Punjab through a checkpoint as alarming and said complacency was not an option. “The methods of warfare have changed; we must prepare ourselves accordingly,” she said, reiterating that collective effort and alertness were essential to maintain peace and stability in the province.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026