LAHORE: The provincial Apex Committee, led by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, convened on Tuesday to assess the current law and order situation and evaluate security measures across Punjab. Officials provided briefings on initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and properties.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting expressed contentment with the collaboration among security agencies and highlighted the recent establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Hub at the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre as a significant advancement for timely information sharing. The AI Hub and PIFTAC, launched earlier this month, are designed to bolster threat assessment and inter-agency coordination.
The chief minister commended the ongoing anti-terrorism operations and lauded the Pakistan Army’s capabilities against adversaries, specifically mentioning the efforts against Fitna al-Hindustan. Tributes were paid to Captain Abu Zarr Farooq, Lt Shiras Babar, and other personnel who were martyred in Operation Zarb-i-Labbaik, with prayers offered for their souls.
The Lahore Corps Commander acknowledged the satisfactory performance of the involved institutions. The committee was updated on 93 projects aimed at enhancing social infrastructure in riverine areas. Plans for smart police stations, police check posts, and a Rs620 million steel bridge were discussed, along with skill-development programs to generate employment in these regions.
Further discussions addressed the removal of illegally residing foreign nationals from Punjab. The chief minister emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among institutions, underscoring that personal interests should be set aside to maintain law and order.
She noted a decline in street crime and reiterated that there is no tolerance for hooliganism, land grabbing, or mafias in Punjab. A total of 718 police personnel had been dismissed for corruption. Investments exceeding Rs30 billion are being directed towards health, education, and security in the riverine areas, with a major cricket tournament contributing to community engagement.
Continued vigilance and monitoring in the riverine belt were affirmed, with proactive policing credited for the reduction in crime. Police resources, including body cameras and an expanded Safe City system, are being enhanced. She stressed the importance of preventive measures to ensure public safety.
The chief minister also expressed gratitude to the armed forces and highlighted the unified institutional efforts against terrorism, noting that Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos has positively impacted Pakistan’s international standing. Amidst security challenges, the government remains focused on addressing inflation and economic difficulties faced by the public.