LAHORE: The Punjab Highway Patrol has arrested 20,335 criminals and registered 18,695 cases against them during 2017. According to a statement, the PHP arrested 946 proclaimed offenders and 161 court absconders during 2017. Punjab Highway Patrol Additional IG Amjad Javid Saleemi said that PHP had removed 49,927 encroachments. “PHP impounded 81,9611 motorcycles during the year 2017,” he said. “Role of PHP is prominent regarding the recovery of illicit arms and narcotics. In 2017, PHP seized 23 AK-47s, 51 rifles and 598 handguns. PHP issued 164,958 tickets for traffic violations,” he said. “PHP conducted 10 refresher courses for its employees. PHP started a campaign against smoke emitting vehicles in November 2017 and fined 1,514 vehicles,” he said. “The force also planted 302,785 plants near posts and in their beat areas to protect the environment,” the additional IG said. Published in Daily Times, January 22nd 2018.