Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed the police to improve their professional capacity to safeguard women, children, and other vulnerable groups in society. Preventing violence and abuse against these groups is a priority for the Chief Minister. According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem is overseeing the implementation of special training workshops across the province to bolster the skills of police officers and personnel in this area.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Training Punjab Rao Munir Zia stated that these workshops are being organized for police officials ranging from Head Constable to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The focus is on equipping officers with the necessary skills to prevent violence against women and children and to protect victims. The training aims to enhance the officers’ abilities in preventing, identifying, and investigating sexual and gender-based crimes.

Training sessions are being held at Regional Training Centres and District Police Lines, with Regional Police Officers ensuring the workshops are conducted in their areas and that relevant officers actively participate. City Police Officers (CPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) have been tasked with appointing qualified instructors, conducting practical sessions, and implementing an effective monitoring system for attendance and performance.

Rao Munir Zia emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding the identities of victimized women and children, as well as any sensitive case information. Focal persons have been designated in each region to monitor the training activities effectively, and district-level records of all participating officers will be maintained.

The DIG Training Punjab has directed that weekly reports detailing the training workshops, including schedules, venues, and participants, be submitted to the Central Police Office. This measure is intended to ensure effective monitoring of the training’s progress and quality.