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LAHORE, Jul 23 (APP): Provincial Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Punjab Anti-Terrorism and Hardened State Committee to assessprogress on the National Action Plan and security initiatives across the province.
Senior officials, including Secretary Home Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, AIG Chaudhry Sultan, DIG Special Branch Khurram Shehzad, DIG CTD Usman Gondal, divisional commissioners, and representatives from Industry, Punjab Safe City, and Social Welfare departments were also present.
A key decision taken during the meeting was the launch of a special WhatsApp helpline to provide quick assistance to Chinese nationals residing and working in Punjab.
The minister highlighted that the verification of the workforce deployed on various development projects is already underway. He added that law enforcement agencies are on high alert in border areas, particularly DG Khan and Mianwali.
Malik Sohaib Bharth revealed that six modern assault drones are being deployed to strengthen counter terrorism operations, with one drone already operational in DG Khan. He further stated that to safeguard citizens from threats emanating from Balochistan, special security arrangements have been made for passenger buses.
Under the National Action Plan, 14 joint check posts are being established across Punjab, including six non-digital and five digital check posts, which are being constructed at a rapid pace.
Sharing progress of CTD Punjab, the minister noted that 2,000 intelligence-based operations had been conducted against terrorists, 25,641 combing operations carried out, and 137 specialized training sessions organized for CTD personnel.
Commissioners have been directed to compile data of illegal foreign residents and maintain records of foreign and out-of-province students studying in local educational institutions. He also emphasized the need for coordination between Special Branch, Punjab Safe City Authority, and Motorway Police for digital surveillance of highways and motorways.
The minister disclosed that 876 cases had been registered against professional beggars, and passports of individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of begging are being revoked.
In the ongoing anti-narcotics drive, law enforcement agencies have seized over 19,000 kg of hashish, 1,700 kg of heroin, and 1,010 kg of crystal meth (ice). He also reported significant progress on reforms to the Criminal Justice System and announced a crackdown on illegal petrol pumps.
Concluding the meeting, Law Minister Sohaib Ahmed Bharth reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to law and order under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, stating that ensuring peace across the province remains a top priority.