Islamabad: The Punjab Police, under the direction of Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar, are making significant strides in the construction of 22 smart police stations across Lahore, anticipating considerable cost savings as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Safe Punjab Vision.” This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of police operations in densely populated areas while significantly reducing governmental expenditures.

According to Punjab Police announcement issued on 20 September 2024, these modern facilities, which replace stations previously housed in rented buildings, are being established on government-owned land, leading to annual savings of over PKR 20.8 million. Previously, stations such as Sanda, Millat Park, and Johar Town, among others, incurred heavy rental costs. The shift to government properties not only cuts down on operational expenses but also aligns with the broader goals of fiscal prudence and enhanced public service delivery.

Dr. Usman Anwar outlined that all smart police stations would adhere to the Special Initiative Police Stations Protocol and SOPs, emphasizing efficiency and modern standards in law enforcement infrastructure. With 99 police stations currently under construction across Punjab, including 39 smart stations rapidly nearing completion, the move represents a significant overhaul of the physical and operational landscape of the Punjab Police. The cost efficiencies are further highlighted by the reduced construction expenses, with new stations now being built for PKR 60 to 100 million, down from previous figures of PKR 200 to 250 million.

Additional projects include the construction of smart stations in other major cities such as Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi, each designed to serve the growing needs of their respective communities effectively.