Lahore: In a sweeping response to serious and violent crimes, Punjab Police have launched a comprehensive crackdown across the province, leading to the arrest of thousands of suspects involved in a range of offenses from robbery and murder to rape and kidnapping. This aggressive enforcement initiative, spearheaded by Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, targets to significantly reduce the incidence of heinous crimes throughout Punjab, including its capital, Lahore.

According to Punjab Police, this year’s operations have resulted in the arrest of 245 suspects involved in double or multiple murders, 245 in robbery-cum-murder cases, 1,198 in gang rapes, and six in rape-cum-murder incidents. Additionally, the police have apprehended 112 suspects in kidnapping for ransom cases, 2,069 in child abuse and sodomy cases involving minors, and 1,016 related to missing and abducted children across the province.

In Lahore alone, the crackdown has been particularly intense, with police detaining hundreds of suspects. This includes 14 individuals involved in double or multiple murders, 19 in robbery-cum-murder cases, 41 in gang rapes, and 180 in child abuse cases. Moreover, six suspects have been arrested in kidnapping for ransom cases, and 352 related to incidents of missing and abducted children.

IG Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has mandated the continuation of these rigorous efforts, instructing Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and District Police Officers (DPOs) to personally oversee the operations. He emphasized the need for effective investigations and timely proceedings to ensure that habitual and professional criminals are brought to justice swiftly. Dr. Anwar also requires regular performance reports to be submitted to the Central Police Office to monitor the progress of these initiatives.