Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided to transform the Crime Control Department (CCD) into a premier investigation agency in view of its effective performance in curbing crime and the positive public response to its operations.
Chairing a meeting here on Tuesday, the CM decided to further expand the scope of the CCD and develop the department along the lines of the world’s leading crime control agencies.
The chief minister directed that the CCD be equipped with modern forensic capabilities, advanced investigative techniques, and the latest technology. She said the department would be provided with artificial intelligence-based software, state-of-the-art intelligence and surveillance systems, and modern machinery and equipment to make it one of the most advanced law enforcement institutions in the country. The department will also be equipped with modern tools for tracking and monitoring criminals.
CM Maryam Nawaz also approved the establishment of a fully equipped CCD headquarters with modern facilities. It was further decided that CCD offices, police stations and residential facilities would be established in every division, district and tehsil of Punjab to strengthen the department’s operational capacity.
The chief minister also approved launching a province-wide campaign against illegal weapons after Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to official figures, the measures taken by the CCD have led to a significant decline in crime across Punjab. Officials said incidents of robbery have decreased by 77 per cent compared to last year, while mobile phone and bag snatching cases have declined by 49 per cent. Vehicle theft has dropped by 17 per cent, attempted murder by 31 per cent, and kidnapping for ransom by 45 per cent.
The chief minister also approved the establishment of a modern research centre within the CCD to develop new strategies for crime control. She further assigned the department the task of taking strict action against those involved in acid attacks on women.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that no society can achieve real progress without the meaningful participation of women in all spheres of life.
In her message on the International Day of Women Judges, the chief minister emphasised the need for greater representation of women in the field of justice, noting that women judges play a vital role in strengthening the credibility and legitimacy of courts.
She appreciated the exemplary role of women judges in the judiciary, saying their contributions have significantly strengthened the judicial system and promoted a more balanced approach to justice.
The chief minister described the appointment of a woman chief justice at the Lahore High Court as an important milestone and welcomed the increasing participation of women at all levels of the judiciary.
She noted that the perspectives and experiences brought by women judges are helping strengthen the judicial system and improving the quality of justice delivery. Greater inclusion of women in the judicial system, she added, would further enhance fairness and effectiveness in the administration of justice.