Nearly 70 pc decline in overall crime rate in Punjab encouraging, says Maryam Nawaz

She said organised crime posed a serious threat to social peace, stability and development, making joint efforts at every level essential to prevent it.

The Punjab chief minister said the overall crime rate had declined by 41 per cent in Lahore, 16 per cent in Dera Ghazi Khan, 52 per cent in Bahawalpur and 32 per cent in Sheikhupura., crime rates had also fallen by 47 per cent in Multan, 36 per cent in Rawalpindi, 42 per cent in Sahiwal, 67 per cent in Gujranwala and 58 per cent in Gujrat.

Maryam Nawaz said District Safe City Authorities, mobile police stations and digital smart policing initiatives in Punjab were producing positive results. She emphasised that cooperation and a joint strategy were essential to completely eliminate criminal networks.

Modern technology and intelligence sharing could play an important role in the fight against organised crime. The chief minister said collective efforts were necessary to uphold the rule of law, protect the public and eliminate crime.

Taking indiscriminate action against criminal elements was the state's responsibility, while establishing a crime-free society was impossible without the rule of law. Maryam Nawaz said protecting women and children from human trafficking and exploitation was a collective responsibility.

She added that safeguarding young people from drugs and criminal activities was also among the government's priorities. She said public awareness and education could play an effective role in preventing organised crime. Strengthening the capacity of police and law enforcement agencies was essential for ensuring a safe society.

The Punjab chief minister further said cooperation between international organisations and relevant countries was urgently needed in the fight against crime. She said building a peaceful, secure and justice-based society remained among the government's top priorities.