Technology to be used to curb crimes:CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that modern technology will be fully utilized for curbing crime and rooting out criminal elements as a number of countries of the world have controlled crime in this manner. He said that there is a need for Punjab Police to devise an effective system of curbing crime by adopting modern technology and the proposed project of Punjab Police Integrated Command and Control Center is of vital importance in this regard. He said that implementation of this project will not only rid the people of Thana culture but will also transform traditional Police culture.

The Chief Minister directed that measures should be taken expeditiously for setting up of modern Integrated Command and Control System on the pattern of Istanbul, London and Dubai.

He was presiding over a high level meeting at Model Town today which reviewed the proposed project of Punjab Police Integrated Command and Control System. Provincial Minister Col. Retd. Shuja Khanzada, Chief Secretary, Secretary Home, acting Inspector General Police Punjab, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board and concerned officials were present.

An international expert Dr. Amanat who has received training from Britain gave a briefing to the meeting regarding Integrated Command and Control System.

Addressing the meeting the Chief Minister said that there is a need to utilize modern technology for controlling crime and progress should be made expeditiously in this direction so that Police force could be introduced with the latest technology for curbing crime and maintaining law and order. He said that intelligence sharing system could be improved through the use of modern technology. He said that the proposed project of Command and Control Center will not only help root out criminal elements but will also enable monitor the performance of Police officials and their behavior with the citizens. He said that all out measures will be taken for changing Thana culture.

He said that government is committed to provide justice to the people and transformation of Thana culture is necessary for this purpose. He said that revolutionary measures will be taken for redressing the grievances of the aggrieved persons in police stations. He said that government has made a promise to the people of changing Thana culture which will be honored at any cost and the proposed project of setting up Integrated Command and Control Center is a step in this direction. He said that this modern center will bring about a substantial change in the traditional Police culture.

He stressed that Command and Control Center should be state-of-the-art and the project should be evolved, keeping in view the needs and ground realities. He said that Command and Control Center will be set up at Arfa Karim Software Technology Park. He said that Command and Control Center will be started as a pilot project and its scope will later be expanded.

The Chief Minister directed the committee, set up under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister Col. (Retd.) Shuja Khanzada, to submit comprehensive recommendations after consulting all stakeholders. He directed Dr. Amanat to present the design of the Command and Control Center Project within a month. The meeting also reviewed various proposals regarding speedy implementation of the proposed project.