Maryam Nawaz orders police reforms with bodycams and online FIRs in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled an ambitious three-month reform plan aimed at transforming provincial police services. The initiative includes modernizing facilities to foster better public engagement and accountability.

In a high-level meeting, the governor approved several crucial measures: panic buttons for safety, bodycams installed in every police station, and online FIR registration systems accessible via smartphones. A total of 14,000 body cameras will be deployed across Punjab’s vast territory, complemented by 700 panic buttons to provide immediate assistance at police stations.

Under this comprehensive plan, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that all police personnel should address citizens with respect using the traditional “Sir” greeting. This initiative aligns closely with her pledge to eliminate rudeness and ensure courteous interactions, a move designed to elevate public service quality.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the successful eradication of criminal activity from specific areas, such as Rajanpur and Kacha, proving her commitment to law enforcement’s duty of protecting ordinary citizens. The governor further noted that minor complaints can now be resolved within 2–3 hours, thanks to a streamlined feedback mechanism and improved communication between police stations and the public.

The plan has already seen significant improvements in crime statistics: Punjab has witnessed a substantial reduction—48% overall and an even steeper drop of 80% for major offenses. This includes the notable average response time being reduced from 80 minutes to approximately 50 minutes, which in turn has significantly diminished negative public feedback.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that this transformation is not about intimidating citizens but rather about ensuring they are safeguarded by a police force that respects them all equally—whether VIPs or ordinary people. Her words underscore her commitment to bolstering safety measures and protecting women and children within the province, reinforcing Punjab’s status as an area where everyone is valued.

With these modern reforms in place, Maryam Nawaz continues to demonstrate her leadership’s dedication towards making Punjab a safer and more accountable region for its citizens.