Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz declared on Saturday that organized crime, corruption, and the increasing incidents of child abuse and rape represent some of the most severe challenges confronting the province. She pledged to pursue those responsible relentlessly, regardless of their position, while acknowledging the impact of a newly launched AI-based intelligence hub in curbing criminal activities.
Addressing the inauguration of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority’s AI hub, Maryam recalled the rampant organized crime when she took office in 2024. She described a time when murders occurred openly during daylight, with little to no effective law enforcement. Entire districts witnessed multiple killings daily, with perpetrators acting without fear. Additionally, vehicle and motorbike thefts were widespread across all districts. However, she noted a significant 70 percent decline in crime rates since then.
Maryam expressed particular distress over child abuse and rape, calling them the issues that cause her the greatest pain. She recounted a recent harrowing incident involving an attempted assault on a 10-month-old baby girl, who was attacked while in a cloth sling, allegedly by a domestic worker. The infant was rushed to the hospital bleeding but survived. Such repeated incidents have deeply shaken her faith in humanity, yet she remains determined to hold perpetrators accountable despite the difficulty of this path.
The chief minister emphasized the dilemma she faces between self-preservation and public accountability. She stated that while some might advise her to avoid confrontation to protect herself from future allegations, she chooses to serve the 13 to 14 crore people of Punjab who expect protection of their lives, property, and dignity. Despite facing criticism, she remains steadfast, confident in her responsibilities.
Maryam also announced a stringent crackdown on corruption within government departments. She has issued written directives to all field officials, including police regional and district officers, commissioners, and deputy commissioners, to eliminate corrupt elements from their ranks. Hundreds of arrests have already been made in the two days following the launch of a public helpline dedicated to reporting bribery and corruption.
To enhance police accountability, body cameras have been installed on officers, including traffic police. Maryam explained that these devices serve both to monitor their conduct during long shifts and to remind officers that their actions are being observed.
Addressing religious and ethnic tensions, the chief minister noted that certain political factions have exploited religion to fuel hatred and division. However, improved coordination and intelligence-led policing during religious events such as Muharram and Rabi-ul-Awwal have helped preempt potential conflicts over the past two and a half years.
Maryam highlighted that Punjab faces greater security threats from neighboring provinces than from international borders, citing terrorism infiltrating the province from tri-border areas. The government has invested billions of rupees in advanced technology, including bulletproof surveillance cameras, thermal imaging, and drones, to strengthen border checkposts. These measures have significantly reduced casualties in militant attacks, which previously claimed multiple lives but now result in minimal losses.
She pointed to the Kacha region, historically notorious for banditry and kidnappings, as an example of restored state authority following a joint military and provincial operation. The area is now reportedly free of crime, with the writ of the state firmly established.
Maryam defended some of her administration’s tough decisions, such as removing encroachments and enforcing mandatory helmet laws for motorcyclists, despite public backlash. She acknowledged the hardship these measures cause, especially to vulnerable groups like street vendors, but noted that displaced individuals have been relocated to organized spaces and provided with free carts.
Concluding her remarks, the chief minister stressed that maintaining law and order is essential for public trust in the government. She asserted that without security and confidence in state institutions, a country cannot progress.
