Punjab sees 70pc drop in crime rate, says Maryam Nawaz

Speaking in Lahore, she said the government had taken difficult decisions to improve law and order and ensure that people followed the law.

She said the government was working to create a safer environment across Punjab and strengthen the writ of the state.

According to the chief minister, billions of rupees have been spent on improving law enforcement and strengthening security measures across the province.

Tough decisions draw criticism

Maryam Nawaz said enforcing the law was not always easy because people often welcomed action against others but resisted when the same rules applied to them. She referred to the enforcement of helmet use among motorcycle riders as one example of a difficult decision.

The chief minister said it was painful to see motorcycle riders suffer injuries in accidents, adding that ensuring helmet use required strict enforcement. She also said she faced criticism for taking action against criminal elements but could have avoided such criticism by choosing not to act.

Government focuses on public safety

Maryam Nawaz said creating a safe environment for citizens was a difficult task. She said she had taken several difficult decisions despite facing risks and criticism.

The chief minister added that Punjab was now under close observation because of the steps being taken to improve law and order. She said the government had continued to invest heavily in security and policing to address crime and protect citizens.

Police receive modern security equipment

Maryam Nawaz highlighted the need for modern equipment to deal with security threats. She said terrorists had access to night-vision cameras, prompting the government to provide similar equipment to the police.

The equipment is intended to help police personnel operate more effectively, particularly in areas where visibility is limited. She said the government was also taking steps to improve security along Punjab’s borders.

Checkpoints established along provincial borders

According to Maryam Nawaz, security checkpoints have been established to strengthen monitoring at Punjab’s borders. The measures are aimed at preventing the movement of criminal and militant elements into the province.

The chief minister said better border security was important for maintaining law and order and protecting communities. She linked these efforts to the broader government strategy to improve security across Punjab.

Riverine areas once faced crime problems

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the situation in Punjab’s riverine areas. She said robbery and other criminal activities were frequently reported from these areas in the past.

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According to the chief minister, the situation has now changed significantly, with the riverine belt becoming crime-free. She claimed that the writ of the state had been established in areas that previously remained difficult to control.

Concerns over crimes involving children

The chief minister also spoke about incidents of harassment involving children. She described such cases as extremely distressing and said witnessing such incidents could shake people’s faith in humanity.

Her remarks highlighted the need for stronger protection of children and effective action against those involved in crimes targeting them. She said public safety remained a major responsibility of the government.

Law enforcement remains a major challenge

Despite the claimed decline in crime, maintaining law and order remains a major challenge for authorities. Punjab has a large population and includes both major urban centres and remote areas, making policing a complex task.

The government says better equipment, stronger enforcement, and increased security measures are helping law enforcement agencies respond to threats. The chief minister stressed that difficult decisions were necessary to establish respect for the law.

Government seeks stronger writ of state

Maryam Nawaz said the government wanted the law to be applied across society without discrimination. She said citizens should understand that laws are meant to be followed by everyone rather than enforced only against certain groups.

Her comments come as the provincial government continues to focus on policing, border security and action against criminal elements. The claimed 70pc reduction in crime is being presented by the government as a major improvement in the province’s law-and-order situation.