Neighbouring provinces pose ‘greater threat to Punjab than countries’: CM Maryam

• Maryam says joint checkposts equipped with thermal imaging.
• Crime in Punjab has declined by up to 70%: CM Maryam.
• “Katcha areas once crime hub now fully under state writ.”
  

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday warned that the Punjab was facing a greater security threat from neighbouring provinces than from neighbouring countries.

Addressing an AI technology event in Lahore, CM Maryam said threats were emanating from the tri-border area and border regions with other provinces, and that joint checkposts had been strengthened to counter them.

She pledged that no compromise would be made on law and order and that all available resources were being deployed to eliminate terrorism and extremism.

She said security personnel had previously suffered heavy casualties at checkposts while militants possessed better weapons and night-vision equipment than police, but that checkposts had now been equipped with bulletproof protection, thermal imaging and night-vision cameras, significantly reducing the risk of casualties.

She said difficult decisions had been made to maintain peace in the province, and wherever the state’s writ had been challenged, action had been taken.

She said the katcha (riverine) areas, once hub of terrorism and crime for several decades, had been fully cleared and turned into crime-free zones. She claimed crime in Punjab had declined by up to 70%, stressing that law enforcement was indispensable alongside development.

“Roads and projects are being built, but what is the benefit if someone’s animal, motorcycle or car is stolen, or a poor person loses his savings?” she asked.

The chief minister said a decisive campaign had been launched against corrupt practices, with corruption detected in the Suthra Punjab programme leading to suspensions.

A helpline had been established for citizens to report corruption, while written instructions had been issued to inspectors general, regional police officers and other officials to root out corrupt elements. Body cameras had been provided to police to monitor their activities during duty hours.

“Even if corruption involves Rs100, we will pursue it,” she said. “Wherever there is corruption, it will not be forgiven.”

CM Maryam said some groups had used religion as a cover to spread hatred, forcing police to divert attention from other duties, but that Muharram, Eid Miladun Nabi and other religious festivals had passed peacefully. She said crimes against minorities could no longer be tolerated.

On the anti-encroachment drive, she said vendors had not simply been removed — alternative spaces had been provided for their livelihoods. She said enforcing helmet laws and lane discipline had initially been difficult but the situation had changed significantly. She also said pedestrians needed to be educated about traffic and road safety.

She said protecting citizens was her personal responsibility despite risks involved, adding that billions had been spent to make Punjab a technology-enabled province. “If the people do not trust the government, we will fall behind,” she said.