Nearly 70% decline in overall Crime Rate in Punjab encouraging, Says Maryam Nawaz

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has described the nearly 70 per cent decline in the overall crime rate across the province as an encouraging development.

In her message on the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight Against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime, Maryam Nawaz said combating human trafficking, drug trafficking and illegal activities was an urgent necessity. She stressed that law enforcement agencies must play a more effective and active role in establishing a crime-free society.

She said organised crime posed a serious threat to social peace, stability and development, making joint efforts at every level essential to prevent it. The Punjab Chief Minister said that the overall crime rate has decreased by 41% in Lahore, 16% in Deragazi Khan, 52% in Bahawalpur and 32% in Sheikhupura.

According to her, crime has also decreased by 47% in Multan, 36% in Rawalpindi, 42% in Sahiwal, 67% in Gujranwala and 58% in Gujarat. Maryam Nawaz said the Regional Safe City Authority, Mobile Police Station and Digital Smart Policing initiatives in Punjab are yielding positive results.

She emphasized that cooperation and joint strategies are essential to completely dismantle criminal networks. Modern technology and intelligence sharing can play an important role in the fight against organized crime.

The Chief Minister said that upholding the rule of law, protecting the public and eradicating crime required collective efforts. It is the duty of the state to act against criminals, and without the rule of law it is impossible to create a crime-free society.

Maryam Nawaz said it is a collective responsibility to protect women and children from human trafficking and exploitation. She added that protecting young people from drugs and crime is also a government priority.

She said public awareness and education could play an effective role in preventing organized crime. Strengthening the capacity of police and law enforcement agencies is essential to ensure a safe society.

The Punjab Chief Minister also said that there is an urgent need for cooperation between international organizations and the countries concerned to fight crime. She said building a peaceful, secure and just society remains one of the government’s top priorities.