Crime rate in Punjab decreases by 30 per cent: Mohsin Naqvi

LAHORE: Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Mohsin Naqvi on Monday claimed a 30 per cent decrease in crime rate across Punjab.

The caretaker CM attributed the reduction in crime rates to the timely registration and pursuit of First Information Reports (FIRs).

He said that some police officials, including superintendents (SPs) and deputy superintendents (DSPs) of police, were neglecting their duties but his government took some accountability measures to curb such negligence. He said that the officers who failed to register FIRs were promptly transferred.

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He contended that while it is the responsibility of the police to stop crime, but the police force has been demoralised, hindering their overall performance. The lack of motivation among the constables had reduced their ability in maintaining the law-and-order in the province.

Naqvi said that the Safe City security cameras throughout the province will further aid in curbing the crime in Punjab.

Earlier, the Punjab police announced plans to obtain 29,000 CCTV cameras for monitoring the upcoming general election scheduled for February 8.

The agreement, signed by the Safe City Authority, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), and National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), took place under the supervision of Punjab Inspector General (IG) Usman Anwar under the caretaker CM’s orders.

The Punjab IG said that the security cameras will become the property of the provincial government after the elections.

The security cameras are equipped with night-vision technology and are reportedly worth Rs 1.35 billion,