LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the launch of an anti-drone unit in Punjab to combat any terrorist attack, besides directing installation of the latest digital scanners at the entry and exit points of the province.

The chief minister gave approval to the initiatives on Tuesday during a visit to the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTAC), where she was given a detailed briefing on the centre and the overall law and order situation in the province.

She also ordered immediate steps for installing state-of-the-art digital scanners at all entry and exit points of the province.

She was informed that a special dashboard has been set up for the deputy commissioners of all districts to ensure effective monitoring and protection of people’s lives and property.

Orders installation of latest digital scanners at entry, exit points of Punjab

The CM instructed that the whistleblower system be strengthened to curb terrorism and criminal activities.

She ordered continuous combing operations across the province to ensure the protection of people’s lives and property.

She said that an AI hub would also be established within the PIFTAC to enhance cyber security and other operational capabilities of police and other law enforcement agencies.

Emphasising a proactive approach, she directed that instead of only reacting to terrorist incidents, authorities must adopt a policy of taking preemptive measures.

Ms Nawaz said the government aims to make Punjab the safest province in the country and would utilise all available resources to ensure the protection of the public.

Essential commodity prices

The chief minister claimed that for the first time in the province’s history, the prices of essential commodities have recorded an over 50 percent reduction during Ramazan.

She reviewed the prices of fruits, vegetables, flour, chicken and other essential items across the province and appreciated the performance of her entire team over the price reduction. She urged people to boycott the shops where official rate lists are not displayed.

She also directed authorities to further increase the supply of vegetables, fruits and other essential items in Lahore.

During a briefing, it was stated that onion prices dropped to their lowest level since 2022, while the prices of ginger, garlic, lemons and other items also declined.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026