IGP calls for intelligence-based operations against criminals

LAHORE:The Inspector General Police (IGP), Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar on Friday chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office to review progress on the arrest of dangerous fugitives.

Senior officials, including the Additional IG Investigation attended the meeting. The IGP on the occasion, ordered a crackdown on fugitives with head money and stressed the arrest of criminals listed in the "Top Ten" and "Red Book" through enhanced coordination with FIA and Interpol. He also called for a joint action plan by the Investigation, Operations Wings, and Organised Crime Unit to apprehend those in the "Black Book" and urged intelligence-based operations against criminals involved in heinous crimes. The IGP promised awards for cops for detaining POs.

Over 137,000 POs arrested in 2024

Punjab Police Friday issued its 2024 performance report, highlighting the arrest of over 137,000 fugitives and proclaimed offenders across the province, including Lahore.

Among them, 104 dangerous fugitives evading justice abroad were brought back to the country. The arrests include more than 26,000 A-category and 111,000 B-category offenders. Additionally, over 66,000 judicial absconders were apprehended, comprising 6,907 in A-category and 59,373 in B-category. Through intelligence-based operations, more than 35,000 habitual offenders were detained, including 15,154 from A-category and 20,485 from B-category.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) released its 2024 performance report on Friday. Using the e-Police Post App, the PHP checked 31.4 million citizens, arresting 6,537 fugitives and judicial absconders. Additionally, some 18.8 million vehicles were inspected, leading to the recovery of 3,350 stolen vehicles and motorcycles. Legal action was taken against 869,000 overloaded vehicles and over 12,000 for illegal gas cylinder use. The PHP issued 148,000 driving licences, reunited 678 missing children with their families, and cleared 5,005 encroachments to enhance traffic flow. The PHP accorded assistance to 112,000 passengers, while 119,000 citizens benefited from services at police centres. The PHP booked 1,093 accused over keeping illicit arms and seized 20,925 litre liquor, 400 kg charas, 53 kg of opium, and 5.5 kg heroin from accused.

DIG listens to public problems

DIG Operations Lahore conducted consecutive open courts here on Friday. After holding an open court at his office, he also invited citizens to discuss their issues and complaints following Friday prayers at Madrasah Dar-ul-Uloom Muhammadiyah Ghausia, Badami Bagh.