Lahore, Mr. Neil Hawkins, the Australian High Commissioner, along with a delegation, visited the Central Police Office and met with IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar. The delegation, including Second Secretary Political Mairi Robertson and Program Officer Mateen Amin, discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in security matters. The Australian High Commissioner praised the Punjab Police for its role in combating terrorism and protecting minorities in Pakistan.

According to Punjab Police, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar congratulated Mr. Hawkins on the Australian cricket team’s historic victory in the cricket World Cup. During the meeting, it was mutually agreed to promote further bilateral cooperation in security matters. Mr. Hawkins expressed Australia’s commitment to providing modern training and technical assistance to enhance the efficiency of the Punjab Police. He also acknowledged the Punjab Police’s significant contributions as a frontline force against terrorism and their efforts in protecting minorities. The Australian delegation was briefed on various initiatives like women empowerment, Tahaffuz Marakaz, Meesaq Centers, and the Police Dashboard. Mr. Hawkins commended the Punjab Police’s flagship projects, including Meesaq Centres, Tahaffuz Marakaz, Khidmat Marakaz, and Safe Cities, for their outstanding service delivery.

Dr. Anwar informed the Australian delegation about ongoing measures for the protection of foreign citizens and minorities, highlighting the Special Protection Unit’s role in safeguarding foreign citizens, experts, and investors. He also discussed the Punjab Police’s efforts in upholding human rights, women empowerment, and utilizing modern technology for crime eradication and community policing. The meeting concluded with an exchange of commemorative souvenirs between Dr. Anwar and Mr. Hawkins, with Additional IG Punjab Sultan Ahmad Chaudhry, MD Safe City Authority Ahsan Younis, DIG Operations Waqas Nazir, and AIG Admin Amara Athar in attendance.