Law minister reviews NAP implementation in Punjab

LAHORE: The second meeting of the Counter-Terrorism and Hardened the State Committee was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharath at the Punjab Home Department on Tuesday, which reviewed the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) and counter-terrorism strategy in the province.

Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal briefed the committee on the law and order situation and government initiatives. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the National Action Plan in Punjab. Representatives of law enforcement agencies provided updates on operations against extremist and terrorist elements.

As per the briefing, the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) registered 454 cases against disruptive elements over the past year, filed charges in 488 cases, and secured convictions in 226 cases. During this period, 15,776 combing operations were conducted across Punjab. Convictions were also secured in three cases involving the financing of terrorism.

The meeting was briefed on the security of Chinese nationals in Punjab. It was informed that camera installation under the Safe City project had been completed in 15 districts, with province-wide installation expected to be finished by December under phase 2 of the project.

The officials concerned also presented records of actions taken against the beggar mafia in the province. Home Secretary Mengal stated that legal amendments have been made to impose strict punishments on ringleaders of professional begging networks, and designated barracks for such individuals had been established in Punjab’s prisons.

Law Minister Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharath said work was under way to construct inter-provincial check-posts to enhance peace and security, with 31 per cent of the work completed. He added that law enforcement agencies were being equipped with modern weapons and technology, while drone surveillance will be launched soon.

He emphasised that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was working tirelessly for the maintenance of peace in the province. He also directed the formulation of a comprehensive policy to curb illegal fuel sales.

The meeting was also attended by IGP Punjab Chaudhry Sultan, and senior officials from CTD, Special Branch, Safe City Authority, Special Protection Unit, Excise, Customs, and other law enforcement agencies.