Punjab Orders Province-Wide Sweep and Combing Operations

By Dr Ansab Ali – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, chaired a high-level video-link meeting at the Central Police Office, issuing directives to place security on high alert across the province. Immediate sweep and combing operations were ordered in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and all other districts.

The IG instructed SDPOs and SHOs to conduct joint operations with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies. Mock exercises in educational institutions were also ordered, along with strict monitoring of CCTV cameras, security guards, and emergency evacuation systems at school and college entry and exit points.

Dr. Anwar emphasized profiling and verification of all individuals entering Punjab and called for continued surveillance of banned organizations, including TLP, alongside intensified door-to-door checks to prevent terrorist and criminal activities.

He acknowledged the support of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in promoting strict enforcement of traffic laws, crime control, and anti-narcotics measures. The IG highlighted that licensing has increased by more than 930% due to police efforts and awareness campaigns.

The IG praised DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran for achieving a 46% reduction in crime in the provincial capital and commended the Crime and Control Division (CCD) for effective anti-narcotics and crime control measures. He also applauded DIG Traffic Waqas Nazir for improvements in traffic enforcement, accident reduction, and licensing.

Additionally, the IG announced that 3,500 promotions will soon be granted within the Punjab Police.

The meeting was attended by Additional IGs of Special Branch, CTD, Operations, Admin & Security, RPOs, DIG Operations Lahore, CPOs, DPOs, and other senior officials via video link.