Maryam Nawaz Calls Emergency Meeting Over Punjab’s Crime Surge

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz held an emergency meeting on Wednesday after noticing a sudden rise in crime across the province. She questioned police performance during the meeting, presenting videos of recent incidents and reprimanding senior officers for failing to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad.

The spike in crime was described as “alarming and shameful,” with Nawaz stating that Punjab had been brought under control after sustained efforts. She warned there was no room for complacency, having freed the police from interference and ensured merit-based postings, budget, equipment, and vehicles were provided.

Several incidents highlighted included a car battery theft in Gulberg and a robbery in Gujrat where passengers were robbed after a bus was stopped. Despite operational Safe City systems, such acts were unacceptable. Drug-related cases were also cited as a concern, with an incident of a Speedo bus conductor assaulting a minor being particularly troubling.

Nawaz reiterated that the government would take all necessary measures to improve law and order, including strict action where required.