RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has decided to introduce reforms in the criminal justice system of the province with the help of technology to bring down crime rate, ensure speedy trials and improve the performance of the provincial police.

The decision to this effect was taken during a meeting - which took stock of law and order in Punjab - chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Murree, says a press release issued by the Directorate of Public Relations.

The statement said that a ‘grand package’ had been formulated to make the province free from crime and corruption.

The meeting also decided that the crimes involving sexual assaults on children and women would be made non-bailable offence and a law to this effect would soon be formulated.

It was also decided to completely overhaul the prosecution department of Punjab and introduce special courts for speedy trials.

“An approval was granted to carry out a campaign for the complete eradication of narcotics from the province,” the statement said, adding that action would also be taken against “organised and cybercrimes” in the province.

“An approval was also accorded to enforce a special audit system in order to ascertain corruption and unprofessional attitude in police,” the statement said, adding that the police officers and officials having ties with corrupt mafias would be held accountable.

“In case of asking for a bribe, a complaint can be registered via CM’s special dashboard,” the statement added.

The CM directed the provincial administration and Punjab police to improve the law and order situation in the province and control the saturation of illegal weapons to make the province secure.

The meeting also decided to take steps to put an end to illegal weapons in the province and banned the issuance of new weapons licences.

It also decided to step up the crackdown on power theft and smuggling in the province.

In order to put an end to smuggling, a proposal for the establishment of a ‘border force’ was also floated.

During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz said there would be zero tolerance for rape cases against women and children.

She also urged the police to use modern technology to improve policing and the quality of prosecution.

She said that the only way to combat crimes was to improve the prosecution and added that a dedicated force would be formed for all types of crimes.

The meeting also decided to put an end to criminal gangs in the province through “effective crackdown for the permanent eradication of terrorism, smuggling and criminal gangs”.

The CM also directed the officials concerned for additional foolproof measures to eliminate kite-flying.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2024