SARGODHA: The Safe City Project has been officially made operational in Sargodha, with directives issued to expand the project in neighbouring districts of Khushab and Bhakkar.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Muhammad Shahzad Asif Khan issued the directives while presiding over a Coordination Committee meeting attended by all DPOs and regional police officials. The meeting focused on reviewing police performance and discussing key security concerns.

The RPO emphasised the importance of activating the Safe City Projects in Khushab and Bhakkar on a priority basis to help prevent crime through the use of modern technology and to enhance public safety.

FRAUDSTER: A man impersonating a journalist has been arrested by police for allegedly blackmailing women and extorting money after taking ‘inappropriate’ photographs of them.

Reports said Assad reportedly used his fake identity to gain the trust of women, take their pictures and then blackmail them for money.

Upon receiving reports, the Factory Area Police launched an investigation and arrested him. Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.

CHARGING STATION: Steps are being taken to build a charging station at the general bus stand to launch electric buses in Sargodha from Sept 23 to 30.

According to sources, Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority, Malik Tahir, said a Nespak team has surveyed both temporary and permanent sites for the installation of 4,000KV transformers required to power the electric buses. Six bays have already been cleared at the Lorry Depot for this purpose.

On the occasion, the commissioner said improving public transportation and facilities for citizens remains a top priority of the Punjab government. He warned that negligence in the execution of the project at any level would not be tolerated.

SCHEMES: The Divisional Development Working Party has approved two key road development projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) of the highways and local government departments.

The approval was granted during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Sargodha Division, Jahanzeb Awan. The approved schemes include construction of Sargodha, Mianwali Road to Okhli Mohalla, Tehsil Quaidabad, District Khushab, road from Pul Thattiwala to Chowk Umar to Dera Iqbal Awan, Tehsil Shahpur, Sargodha.

During the meeting, updates were also provided on ongoing infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Model Agri Mall and the installation of lights and lane markings on service roads adjacent to Flyover Bridge 47.

Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan directed the deputy commissioners and relevant officials to ensure high-quality construction work and conduct regular on-site inspections.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sargodha retired Capt. Muhammad Waseem, DC Khushab Farwa Aamir, Director Development Bilal Hassan, SE Buildings Amanat Ali, EXEN Local Government Nasir Makeen, Deputy Director Technical Rana Shahid Imran, and other senior officials.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025