Mohsin Naqvi, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, celebrated a significant milestone on Monday, announcing a remarkable 30% decrease in the crime rate across the province.
Naqvi attributed this notable achievement to the diligent registration and pursuit of First Information Reports (FIRs), emphasizing the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety.
However, Naqvi did not shy away from addressing shortcomings within the police force. He revealed instances of negligence among certain police officials, including superintendents (SPs) and deputy superintendents (DSPs), and promptly implemented accountability measures. Officers failing to fulfill their duties were swiftly transferred, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to dereliction of duty.
In his address, Naqvi acknowledged the importance of maintaining high morale within the police force.
Naqvi highlighted the impact of low morale on the efficiency of constables in upholding law and order, recognizing the need for rejuvenated drive and commitment among law enforcement personnel.
Looking ahead, Naqvi unveiled plans to enhance security measures across Punjab by leveraging Safe City security cameras. These cameras, strategically placed throughout the province, are poised to play a pivotal role in further reducing crime rates.
Notably, the Punjab police recently announced plans to acquire 29,000 CCTV cameras for monitoring the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
Under the supervision of Punjab Inspector General (IG) Usman Anwar and with Naqvi’s directives, an agreement was reached among the Safe City Authority, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), and National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) to procure the cameras.
The security cameras, equipped with advanced night-vision technology, represent a substantial investment, valued at Rs 1.35 billion.