Tag: Punjab police

  • 19 children arrested on blasphemy charges in Punjab in 2023

    19 children arrested on blasphemy charges in Punjab in 2023

    Nineteen children have been arrested on charges of blasphemy across Punjab between January 1, 2023 and October 16, 2023.

    In an appeal submitted to the Punjab Information Commission by the director of Legal Awareness Watch, Sarmad Ali, it was revealed by the Inspectorate General of Punjab Prisons that 19 minors were arrested out of whom six are in prison while the rest have been released, The News has reported.

    Sarmad Ali explained to The News that several children in the country are facing charges carrying severe punishment. Some of these children are not even allowed to maintain their juvenility as explained by the law. Under Section 8 of the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, he explained, “Thus, owing to inadequate and effective implementation of [the] cited law which was promulgated in May 2018, many children have been [held] without fair trial or [have been] sentenced to severe punishment in sheer ignorance of the international standards and conventions which the state of Pakistan is signatory to.”

    The law also explains that children-even if dangerous-must be given their due rights. Sarmad added, “Children that are accused of having infringed any penal law must not be treated as adults as they cannot foresee the consequences of their actions.”

  • Transgenders in Rajanpur get driving licences

    Transgenders in Rajanpur get driving licences

    Traffic Police of Rajanpur have issued Rickshaw and Motobike licences to the transgender community, paving the way for them to earn a respectable livelihood.

    Members of the transgender community were trained to ride motorcycles and rickshaws by police personnel before they were issued licences. It was a moment of joy for the community members as they were made fun of when they used to come for the training but upon receiving the licence, they can now claim a respectable job as drivers or even get a vehicle of their own.

    This is not the first such incident in Rajanpur but a continuation of the efforts carried out by the Punjab Police which is running multiple driving schools all across the Punjab. Seeing the success of the project the number of driving schools have been increased from 32 to 64.

    https://streamable.com/o28mzh

  • IG Punjab orders aggressive action against electricity thieves costing nation Rs600 billion annually 

    IG Punjab orders aggressive action against electricity thieves costing nation Rs600 billion annually 

    Inspector-General Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, has directed top police officials in Punjab, including Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs), to intensify efforts against anti-national and anti-social elements involved in electricity theft, which is causing a staggering annual loss of Rs600 billion to the national treasury. 

    In a special video message, Dr Usman Anwar emphasised that Punjab Police’s crackdown on electricity thieves has gained momentum, with over 1,000 cases registered daily, spanning the entire province, including Lahore. This financial loss surpasses the cumulative losses from 15 years of various crimes, such as dacoity and robbery, across Punjab. 

    According to Business Recorder, Dr Usman Anwar clarified that the scale of this theft far outweighs other criminal activities and assured that, following the directives of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab, there will be no leniency for those involved in electricity theft. Offenders, regardless of their methods, will face legal consequences. 

    He expressed concern that innocent citizens must bear the financial burden of others’ theft, emphasising that no one will be allowed to rob citizens of their hard-earned money. Dr Usman Anwar urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement, district administrations, and relevant institutions by reporting electricity theft in their areas to accelerate actions against these elements harming the nation’s financial interests. 

  • May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    The Punjab police have pressed charges of ‘criminal conspiracy’ against Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), and all other suspects in May 9 cases across the province. Official sources have disclosed to Dawn that a total of 50 cases were registered, encompassing charges under anti-terrorism and other relevant laws. Among these, 14 cases were filed in various police stations in Lahore and Rawalpindi, while nine were recorded in Sargodha, seven in Sheikhupura, five in Faisalabad, and one in Gujranwala.

    Moreover, the Punjab police have recently added offenses under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or aiding such efforts against Pakistan), 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to influence a soldier, sailor, or airman from their duty), and 146 (rioting) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to the FIRs.

    Dr. Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, Lahore SSP (Investigation), while talking to the media, revealed that the police have also incorporated certain offenses/sections, including 34 and 120b of the PPC, into the May 9 cases.

    Section 34 reads: “Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all, each such person is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.”

    Section 120b states: “Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence.”

    As per the Lahore police’s investigation, Dr. Chaudhry stated that there appears to be substantial evidence confirming incitement to mutiny and the planning of vandalism on May 9.

    Responding to a question regarding Imran Khan’s presence at the crime scene, she emphasized that it is immaterial whether he was physically there or not, as evidence suggests that he incited the suspects to carry out violent attacks on sensitive installations of the Pakistan Army.

    Dr. Chaudhry further noted that the prosecution and police are awaiting final reports from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) concerning videos and other evidence related to the planners and perpetrators of the May 9 incidents. She assured that all objections raised by the prosecution have been addressed, and the challans for the May 9 cases will be submitted to the courts of law after receiving reports from the FIA and Pemra.

  • Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police have said in an official statement that their constable filmed beating a journalist, is mentally ill.

    The video shows a police officer on a motorcycle being stopped by a journalist and questioned about the missing number plate of his vehicle. Upon confrontation, the policeman slaps the journalist. Later, he hits out at other people who tried to stop the feud. The video stoked outrage on social media, with many users condemning the brutality displayed by the officer and demanding that strict action be taken.

    Punjab Police have released a statement on their Twitter account, while Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has also addressed the violent feud, saying that the police officer in question is a constable who is mentally ill, and is currently being provided treatment.

    The constable has also been taking absences from his work, the police have said.

    The IGP went on to talk about the launch of an initiative that involves psychosocial profiles of 200 police officers across the province, reassuring constables that the purpose of these measurements was to ensure that they were all screened against 10 conditions and that it will provide counselling and treatment to affected employees.

  • 1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    Bringing attention to a little-known emergency lifeline, popular TikToker Jannat Mirza and her father, a police officer, have teamed up to spread awareness about the significance of dialling 1124 during accidents—an alternative to the widely recognised 1122 emergency number.

    Jannat Mirza, celebrated for her engaging content and impactful messages on social media, is stepping up her influence to highlight the importance of the 1124 emergency helpline. In a recent video, she shared her personal experiment evaluating the responsiveness of the 1124 service.

    “I put the 1124 helpline to the test,” Jannat Mirza revealed to her followers. “I was genuinely surprised by the quick response I received.” She recounted a simulation where she mimicked an accident scenario and dialled 1124. Almost instantly, a responsive team was dispatched and promptly arrived at the specified location.

    Emphasising the critical role of the 1124 helpline, Jannat Mirza’s father, an experienced police officer, stated, “While many are familiar with 1122, being aware of 1124 is equally crucial. The goal is to offer timely assistance, and this helpline allows us to do precisely that.”

    The collaborative video by Jannat Mirza and her father aims to bridge the information gap surrounding emergency services.

    Given that accidents can occur unexpectedly, knowing the appropriate channels to seek help is imperative. Jannat Mirza’s firsthand encounter and her father’s professional insights collectively underscore the efficiency of the 1124 emergency helpline. By sharing their experience, they aspire to motivate individuals across Pakistan to familiarise themselves with this vital service, potentially safeguarding lives.

    About 1124 service

    In 2007, a centralised 24/7 call centre helpline, 1124, was established to receive calls from citizens all across Punjab. These incoming calls trigger a rapid response mechanism from Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) posts, and, in areas without PHP presence, Punjab Police is dispatched to assist the individual in need. This comprehensive service encompasses immediate assistance in cases of vehicle breakdowns, other emergencies, crimes against oneself or reported by a third party, traffic regulation and management concerns, accident response, and facilitating rescue and evacuation to nearby medical facilities.

    Moreover, this helpline serves as a vital platform for registering inputs in various domains and subsequently relaying the data to relevant authorities. One notable application is reporting fire hazards within residential areas. The call centre incorporates advanced features, including call recording, routing, interactive voice response (IVR), and other cutting-edge functionalities, to efficiently manage calls from citizens throughout Punjab. Importantly, this helpline can be dialled without the need for an area code, streamlining access to timely assistance.

  • ‘This is not Punjab Police’; When Gen Bajwa resigned in anger

    ‘This is not Punjab Police’; When Gen Bajwa resigned in anger

    Since the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a Vote of No Confidence in April 2022, political analysts have wondered what led to a falling out between the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the then-Army Chief, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    Kamran Yousaf has unveiled new details of the falling-out between the two. In a report for Express Tribune, Yousaf has revealed that at one point in the growing chasm between the two, General Bajwa resigned from the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    On the morning of October 7, 2021, General Bajwa informed Azam Khan, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, that he was resigning, giving the Premier one week to appoint a new Chief.

    The information, conveyed on a phone call, left the government in panic. Within the hour, top military officials reached out to General Bajwa, pleading with him to not resign.

    How had matters reached this point? The fallout begun when Imran Khan secured a vote of confidence after his candidate for senate, Hafeez Sheikh, was defeated by the opposition’s candidate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani. General Bajwa told Imran Khan that after securing members for his vote, the establishment will no longer manage political maneuvering for his government.
    He was also told that General Faiz Hameed, Director-General of Inter-Serviced Intelligence (DG ISI) will be transferred from his post, in line with army procedures. Imran asked for a month, then more time.

    In October, General Bajwa informed the Prime Minister that the transfer cannot be delayed further, to which Imran replied by asking for changes in the procedure. This led to a heated argument between the two former proponents of ‘same page’.

    “This is not the Punjab Police, Mr Prime Minister,” Bajwa told Imran bluntly.

    Imran agreed to the change, leading to ISPR issuing a notification.

    The very next morning, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry issued a statement that the appointment was the Prime Minister’s domain, hinting that the appointment was not done with his approval.

    A furious General Bajwa conveyed to the PM office his decision to resign. Convinced to not do so by military officials, he again met Imran Khan where the two reached a compromise.

    General Faiz would serve for a few more weeks while Imran would then agree to Bajwa’s candidate.

    The relationship between the two was, however, damaged and would never be the same again.

  • Police arrest couple in DIG Jamal’s death inquiry

    Police arrest couple in DIG Jamal’s death inquiry

    Lahore police have arrested a man and his wife for questioning in Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shariq Jamal’s death inquiry.  

    The police officer was found dead in mysterious circumstances at an apartment on Saturday morning. At the time, conflicting media reports said that the policeman was found dead at his residence, while others said his body was found in an apartment in DHA.

    According to media reports, a couple shifted him to a private hospital in DHA.

    However, after further investigation by the police, it came to light that DIG was at the couple’s flat.

    The husband and wife revealed that the DIG was with them, and they brought him to the hospital after his health took a turn for the worse.

    According to the details, DIG was brought to the hospital at 1:30 a.m. and declared dead on arrival.

    The police confirmed that Shariq Jamal was not at his residence but at an apartment in Lahore, and he had shifted to the hospital from there.

    The authorities have decided to investigate the matter, transferring the body of the DIG to Jinnah Hospital for a postmortem.

  • 69 per cent of child abuse victims are boys, report reveals

    69 per cent of child abuse victims are boys, report reveals

    A ‘confidential’ report from the home department has revealed that the number of boys facing atrocities of child abuse is higher than that of girls in Punjab.

    Dawn shared the findings of the said report on Friday, revealing that during the first five and a half months of 2023, a total of 1,390 incidents of child abuse were reported in Punjab, among them 69 per cent were boys while 31 per cent were girls.

    The report identified several key factors hindering the control of sexual crimes against children and it also provided recommendations to combat them.

    The report disclosed that out of all the culprits facing trials in courts in cases of child abuse, 55 per cent were neighbors, 32 per cent were strangers, and 13 per cent were relatives.

    Furthermore, the report revealed that Gujranwala region/division reported the highest number of child abuse incidents (220), followed by DG Khan (199), Faisalabad (186), Multan (140), Bahawalpur (129), Sheikhupura (128), Sahiwal (127), Sargodha (103), and others. The Rawalpindi region and Lahore city had the lowest numbers, with 69 and 89 cases, respectively.

    “It is also concerning that many cases go unreported. Fear and cultural taboos in our society make it difficult to report such crimes,” read the findings of the report. It underscored that lack of support from family members, friends, neighbors, or the community makes it immensely difficult for the victim to speak up against the abuser.

    The home department recommended that the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) play a more active role in child protection. It suggested that the CPWB should have a dedicated team of professionals, including child protection officers, psychologists, law officers, and doctors, to safeguard children from abuse and aid victim rehabilitation.

    The report stressed the need for a well-defined coordination mechanism among different stakeholders, including police, parents, CPWBs, and relevant federal and provincial agencies. It strongly recommended that national and provincial legislatures review existing child protection laws and reform the existing apparatus.

    The home department has sent the report to the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) and the Regional Police Officers (RPOs) for strict implementation of provided recommendations.

  • Suspects surrender to police after killing two in court premises

    Suspects surrender to police after killing two in court premises

    Two persons were killed within the premises of a local court in Lahore on Thursday, Dawn has reported.

    According to police, the two slain were identified as Sughra Bibi and Muhammad Amin. The victims were present at the court for a hearing when they were shot dead.

    The Punjab Inspector General has instructed the police to catch the suspects as soon as possible and also find out their motive, however, the suspects turned themselves in after the incident and the weapons used in the crime were also found.

    They have been taken to the SP City Office for further investigation. They are being interrogated to determine if anyone else was involved, said police.