Punjab orders crackdown on VIP protocol, unauthorised police escorts and official flags
The Punjab VIP protocol crackdown aims to ensure that official facilities are used only with proper legal approval.
Under the new instructions, people cannot display official flags on vehicles or install flagstaffs unless they are legally entitled to do so or have received the required permission.
The rules on official flags on vehicles are intended to prevent people from using government symbols without authorisation.
Punjab Police Escorts Under Review
The government has also ordered a review of permanent Punjab police escorts assigned to officials and other individuals.
Under the new rules, these security arrangements cannot continue without valid approval.
The restrictions cover provincial cabinet members, advisers, special assistants to the chief minister, parliamentary secretaries and standing committee chairpersons.
Members of the Punjab Assembly, government officers and private individuals are also included.
The Punjab police escorts policy requires proper authorisation before permanent security squads can be assigned.
Holding public office or having an official position does not automatically allow someone to use a police escort.
Unauthorised Police Security to Be Withdrawn
According to a notification issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, the Provincial Police Officer and Inspector General of Police have been directed to review existing security arrangements.
Authorities must identify and withdraw squads operating without proper approval. The unauthorised police security restrictions are intended to bring existing arrangements in line with the government’s instructions.
Police officials have been told to ensure that the new rules are followed across Punjab.
However, the order does not mean that all official security will end. Arrangements supported by valid approval can continue under the applicable rules.
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Why Has Punjab Taken This Step?
The government says the move is aimed at preventing the misuse of official protocol and ensuring that police resources are used properly.
The use of police personnel for VIP movements has faced criticism because officers assigned to unnecessary escorts may be unavailable for routine policing, public safety and other law enforcement duties.
The Punjab VIP protocol crackdown also follows earlier austerity measures introduced by the provincial government.
These included restrictions on official protocol convoys and cuts to government-funded fuel allowances for certain officials amid rising fuel costs.
The latest instructions also strengthen scrutiny of official flags on vehicles. People using these symbols must meet the legal requirements or obtain the necessary permission.
What Happens Next?
Police authorities are expected to review existing arrangements and remove squads that lack valid approval.
The government’s instructions on Punjab police escorts will require officials and other individuals to follow the prescribed approval process.
The success of the unauthorised police security crackdown will depend on how consistently the rules are enforced across the province.
