On her return from official visit to Brazil, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed law-enforcement agencies to remain on high alert to ensure peace and security in the province.
She noted that terrorist, extremist and hate-based networks have been effectively dismantled in Punjab. She chaired a high-powered meeting on law and order in which authorities concerned briefed her that advanced weapons, thousands of bullets, bulletproof jackets and other combat equipment have been recovered from Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) hideouts. They apprised her that Punjab government has also blocked funding stream used to incite unrest under the guise of protests. They said that assets worth Rs 23.40 billion of the banned extremist group along with 92 bank accounts including all JazzCash and other digital accounts have been frozen. Officials concerned also apprised her that cases have been registered against nine key financiers of the proscribed organization.
The meeting decided that the government of Punjab will request the federal government to initiate uniform action across all provinces, similar to the one carried out in Punjab against the banned extremist group. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed that combing operations must continue without any interruption. Relevant authorities briefed her that 31 FIRs have been registered for sharing social media content harmful to national security. They also apprised her that over 61,000 forms have been distributed for the registration of mosques and imams across Punjab, while more than 50,000 imams have voluntarily registered themselves, marking 82% completion. They briefed that five major ‘Wifaq-ul-Madaris’ Boards have expressed consensus on the registration initiative, strengthening partnership between religious leadership and the provincial government for promoting peace in the province.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure respectful and facilitative dealings with imams, adding that imams lead prayers and “we do not want them to be burdened or compelled to seek donations.” Punjab government expressed satisfaction over people’s firm rejection of extremism and hate-mongering. Chief Minister Punjab said that wall-chalking will not be tolerated anywhere in Punjab, directing all Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict and permanent enforcement of the ban. The meeting also approved formulation of clear SOPs on weapons management in Punjab.
In view of recent Islamabad attack, Chief Minister Punjab directed the authorities concerned to carry out enhanced surveillance, including drone-based surveillance at the district level. She also directed them that incidents of harassment anywhere in the province should be monitored through drone surveillance to ensure swift action.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the Punjab government has established a secure and integrated protection system for children and citizens through digital innovation and effective governance.
She said that sexual abuse, mistreatment, and violence against children are not only heinous crimes but a revolt against humanity.
In her message on the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, the CM said, “Children are my red line. Every child is dear to me, and ensuring their safety is our collective responsibility.” She said that those involved in crimes against children represent the darkest elements of society and will be completely rooted out from Punjab.
Highlighting a major milestone in child protection, the CM said that Pakistan’s first Virtual Child Safety Centre has been established in Punjab. The pioneering facility has already reunited thousands of missing children and elderly citizens with their families. She said that in any case of a missing child, the Virtual Child Safety Centre enables immediate response and swift inter-agency coordination to ensure prompt recovery.
CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding children, adding that the protection and wellbeing of every child in Punjab remains the government’s foremost priority.