IG Punjab Reviews Security at Riverine Check Posts, Orders Further Tightening

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has ordered further tightening of security at riverine check posts across the province, following a comprehensive review of their operational readiness, human resources and infrastructure.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Central Police Office on Monday, the IG reviewed the performance of officers and personnel deployed at riverine check posts, along with the availability and operational status of boats, vehicles, weapons and ammunition. The meeting also assessed infrastructure facilities, including boundary walls, bunkers, thermal imaging systems and bulletproof cameras.
Dr Anwar directed that riverine check posts be used more effectively to curb crime, arrest proclaimed offenders and drug traffickers, prevent smuggling and strengthen surveillance in border areas. He stressed that, given the sensitivity of riverine and border locations, security arrangements must be further enhanced.
The IG instructed that all boats, vehicles and surveillance cameras at riverine check posts be kept fully functional at all times. He ordered immediate repairs of dilapidated buildings, strengthening of bunkers and doubling of boundary walls. Emphasising results-oriented policing, he called for more effective and purposeful patrolling in riverine areas.
Dr Anwar set a 15-day deadline to improve the condition of all riverine check posts, followed by inspections. He also directed the Additional Inspector General (Operations) to submit daily performance reports on the functioning of these posts.
During the meeting, the IG commended the concerned district police officers (DPOs) for improvements made at riverine check posts in Mianwali, Bhakkar, Attock and Muzaffargarh.
The meeting was attended via video link by the Additional IG South Punjab, the City Police Officer Rawalpindi, Regional Police Officers of Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur, and the relevant DPOs. Senior officers present at the Central Police Office included the Additional IG Operations Punjab, DIG R&D, AIG Operations, AIG Logistics and AIG Development.