The Punjab government has embarked on a significant security enhancement initiative by deciding to implement electronic tagging (e-tagging) for all vehicles across the province, including motorcycles. This move aims to bolster the monitoring and tracking of vehicles, thereby strengthening law enforcement capabilities and improving overall public safety. The decision emerged from a high-level law and order meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing evolving security challenges.
During the meeting, which gathered top provincial officials and security experts, several critical measures were approved to modernize Punjab’s security infrastructure. One of the landmark decisions was the formal approval of mandatory e-tagging for all types of vehicles. This system is expected to facilitate real-time tracking and help authorities swiftly identify and intercept suspicious or criminal activities involving vehicles. The inclusion of motorcycles in this scheme is particularly noteworthy, given their widespread use and previous difficulty in regulation.
In addition to vehicle tracking, the Chief Minister greenlit the creation of a dedicated Punjab Cyber Crime Investigation Unit. This specialized cell will focus on tackling cyber offenses, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups such as women and young girls who often fall prey to online harassment and exploitation. The unit will be headed by an appointed expert, and district-level Online Crime Centers will be established to ensure prompt response and investigation across the province. This initiative underscores the government’s recognition of cybercrime as a growing threat that requires targeted intervention.
Security officials were also instructed to eliminate any safe havens for criminal elements within Punjab. This directive includes tightening control over unconventional entry points into the province, which have previously been exploited for illegal movement. To this end, the government approved the installation of searchlights at key provincial entry routes to enhance visibility and surveillance during nighttime. Complementing these efforts, a drone surveillance program will be launched to provide aerial monitoring, which will significantly aid in tracking suspicious activities and improving rapid response capabilities.
Further security upgrades include the implementation of rooftop monitoring at check posts and the immediate procurement of advanced drone defense systems. These measures aim to counter unauthorized drone usage, which has become a concern for law enforcement agencies. The Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of continuous combing operations to identify and apprehend criminals and terrorists, ensuring that security efforts remain relentless and proactive.
The meeting also reviewed the readiness of the Punjab Rangers’ Anti-Riots Force, focusing on the provision of modern equipment and specialized training to enhance their capacity for effective crowd control and riot management. Additionally, security standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming Youm-e-Hazrat Ali (AS) event were discussed, with plans to collaborate closely with religious scholars to ensure peaceful observance and prevent any untoward incidents.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the efforts of Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and the Lahore Police for their swift and effective handling of recent security challenges in Lahore and other parts of Punjab. She also acknowledged the valuable cooperation extended by religious leaders in maintaining law and order, highlighting the importance of a united front against threats to peace.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Maryam Nawaz expressed concern over the recent incident where a suicide attacker managed to infiltrate Punjab through a checkpoint, describing it as a stark reminder that complacency cannot be tolerated. She stressed that the nature of security threats has evolved, necessitating a comprehensive and adaptive approach to counter-terrorism. The Chief Minister called upon religious scholars to continue their support in fostering peace and stability across the province, emphasizing that combating terrorism requires cohesive and sustained efforts from all segments of society.
