Maryam Nawaz approves increase in provincial border posts, grants Rs1b to police

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed officials to ensure top-tier security for the upcoming Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations.

During a law and order session, she called for enhanced security measures, including the deployment of bullet-proof vehicles, APCs, and bullet-proof vests for police officers.

Additionally, she approved an expansion of provincial check posts and a grant of Rs1 billion for the police force.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised the need for special training of officers stationed at check posts and strengthening border security.

The session also approved the restructuring and advanced training of the Border Military Police, along with the introduction of body cameras for police officers on duty.

The Chief Minister further called for a campaign to eliminate illegal weapons and underscored the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Punjab.

She stressed the importance of a non-discriminatory crackdown on criminal elements and urged a strong response to any attacks on police check posts to deter future incidents.

A ban on camera use and social media activity by on-duty officers was also enacted.

Earlier, a police constable was suspended from service on the charge of violating the department’s social media policy.

A police spokesman that Constable Bahawal Sher, deputed at the Lorry Adda police post, had shared his video on the social media while smoking a cigarette in police uniform and placing two pistols on a table in front of him.

Taking serious notice of the matter, City Police Officer (CPO) Captain (retired) Muhammad Ali Zia directed the Lyalpur Division superintendent of police to probe into the incident and submit a report besides taking action against the official.

Last month, the Sindh Police announced the immediate suspension of 12 officers after videos of them engaging in inappropriate behaviour on social media went viral.

The suspensions were ordered by Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, following an official statement shared on the police department’s Facebook page.

The officers were specifically reprimanded for creating TikTok videos, violating departmental regulations.