Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken notice of the rising crime rate across the province despite the Safe City project. She termed the increase in criminal incidents alarming and unacceptable. The development has prompted a high-level review meeting on law and order.
During the meeting, the chief minister reprimanded senior police officials over the failure to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad. She directed Regional Police Officers and District Police Officers to strengthen coordination with the Crime Control Department. She stressed that effective policing must be ensured without delay.
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Maryam Nawaz said the increase in crime is both shameful and concerning for the government. She added that Punjab had been made a safer province and there is no space for negligence now. Furthermore, she said law enforcement agencies must now deliver visible results on the ground.
The chief minister also highlighted that police had been freed from political interference and merit-based systems are now in place. She said past practices of politically motivated postings had ended. She emphasized that officers must ensure performance-based accountability in all districts.
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She cited recent incidents, including theft and street crimes, as evidence of growing concern. She said such cases reflect a lack of fear of law among offenders. Meanwhile, she reiterated that Safe City systems must translate into real improvements in public safety.