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LAHORE \u2013 Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the chief minister of Punjab, stated on Sunday that organised crime is a major threat to social harmony, stability, and progress, emphasising the necessity of concerted efforts at all levels to stop such activities.<\/strong><\/p>\n She stated that there is an urgent need to combat drug smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities in her statement on the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime.<\/p>\n The chief minister noted that Punjab had witnessed a declining trend of up to 70 per cent in the overall crime rate, terming it encouraging. She stated that crime had declined by 41 per cent in Lahore, 16 per cent in Dera Ghazi Khan, 52 per cent in Bahawalpur, and 32 per cent in Sheikhupura.<\/p>\n Similarly, crime had decreased by 47 per cent in Multan, 36 per cent in Rawalpindi, 42 per cent in Sahiwal, 67 per cent in Gujranwala, and 58 per cent in Gujrat, she added.<\/p>\n CM Maryam Nawaz said the establishment of District Safe City Authorities, mobile police stations, and digital smart policing initiatives in Punjab was yielding positive results. She stressed that law enforcement agencies needed to play a more effective and proactive role in establishing a crime-free society, adding that modern technology, intelligence sharing, and a coordinated strategy were essential to dismantle criminal networks.<\/p>\n A calm and safe society, according to the chief minister, depends on the rule of law, citizen protection, and indiscriminate action against criminal elements. She emphasised that shielding young people from drugs and criminal activity, as well as protecting women and children from human trafficking and exploitation, were top concerns.<\/p>\n CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment to creating a just, safe, and peaceful society by highlighting the importance of increased public awareness, improved police and law enforcement agency capabilities, and collaboration with international organisations and pertinent nations in the fight against organised crime.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n