The Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, announced a wide range of police reforms in Punjab on Sunday.
She set a three-month timeline for key police reforms in the entire department.
The measures aim to improve public service, strengthen accountability and modernise policing across the province.
Maryam Nawaz said the reforms would focus on changing attitudes within the police force and making services more accessible to the public.
New complaint, monitoring systems
Under the plan, panic buttons will be installed outside police stations to allow citizens to register complaints quickly.
Around 700 panic buttons and 14,000 body cameras will be installed across Punjab. Funds for the body cameras have already been approved.
Video and audio recording of investigations will also be introduced. An online tracking system for the First Information Reports (FIRs) will allow complainants to monitor the progress of their cases.
A separate online system will be launched for reporting the loss of documents and identity cards.
The chief minister said police personnel will be allowed to ask only five questions when registering an FIR to avoid unnecessary delays.
Minor complaints are to be resolved within two to three hours. The Inspector General (IG) of Punjab and senior officers will personally call members of the public to seek feedback on police performance.
Focus on conduct, public dealings
Maryam Nawaz directed police officers to address citizens respectfully. She said only criminals should fear the police, not ordinary people.
She acknowledged that many people, particularly from poorer backgrounds, hesitate to approach the police due to fear or past experiences.
The CM called for proper training, grooming and mock sessions to improve behaviour, especially in harassment cases.
If women are unable to visit a police station, mobile police units will be sent to record their complaints.
She said complainants, especially women and children, must be treated with dignity and encouraged to speak without fear.
A formal code of conduct will be introduced as part of the reform programme.
Technology, traffic management
The chief minister also launched the Traffic Police One app and the Safe City Monitoring app.
She directed authorities to ensure that traffic rules, including lane discipline, are enforced across Punjab, including Lahore.
Public awareness campaigns will be held to guide people on road safety and pedestrian crossings.
Plans are underway to introduce a citizen management system and an e-tag information system to improve coordination and preventive policing.
Crime statistics, future plans
According to figures shared at the meeting, overall crime in Punjab has decreased by 48%, while major crimes have fallen by 80%.
Officials said improved response times, now averaging around 80 minutes, have reduced negative public feedback. In some cities, including Sahiwal and Gujarat, major crime calls have significantly declined.
Maryam Nawaz said delays in filing FIRs often benefit criminals and stressed the need for preventive policing. She added that strict action would be taken against those involved in crimes against children.
The reform programme will include short-term, medium-term and long-term plans to bring lasting change to the police system in Punjab.
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