A package of wide ranging reforms has been prepared to curb crimes and corruption in Punjab.
During a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Murree, it was decided that a major legislative bill for comprehensive reforms of the police, prosecution and judicial systems would be introduced.
According to an official statement, key decisions were made to address various aspects of law enforcement and justice.
Under the proposed reforms, offences such as rape of women and children will be deemed non-bailable crimes. Instructions were issued for immediate submission of proposals for legislation in this regard. Speedy trial courts will be established to ensure swift and effective punishment for the offences.
Additionally, a complete overhaul of the Punjab Prosecution Department was agreed upon.
It was decided that efforts would be made to cleanse the police of corruption, with measures to remove any personnel found linked with criminal elements.
An audit system will be implemented to monitor the professional competence and performance of police officers and personnel. Modern technology will be leveraged to expedite standard policing, prosecution and case resolution.
A per a decision, citizens of the province will be enabled to file complaints against any official demanding bribe. The complaints will be filed through an information technology dashboard with confidentiality ensured.
A separate special force will be constituted to combat each type of crime and efforts will be intensified to crack down on corruption, electricity theft and smuggling in the province.
Plans were made to establish a special unit and provide IT training to combat organised and cybercrime.
Additionally, the creation of a new border force to prevent smuggling was considered during the meeting.
Continuation of efforts directed towards eliminating drugs and illegal weapons from the province were agreed upon, with new arms licences banned and clean-up operations planned against armed gangs.
Measures for social welfare and development in the tribal areas of the province were also discussed along with enhanced steps to prevent kite flying and the use of metal string for the purpose.
Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised the need for severe punishment for perpetrators of crimes against children and women.
She reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the life and property of every citizen and providing modern equipment and technology to the law enforcement agencies.
The chief minister stressed that improving the prosecution and investigation system was essential for ending crime in Punjab.
The participants of the meeting reviewed the law and order situation in detail, with the inspector general of police giving a briefing.
Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, chief secretary, home secretary, additional IGs, RPOs and other key officials attended the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2024.
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