Shahbaz SHarif reviews the law & order situation in the province

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting at Arfa Karim Software Technology Park here today which reviewed overall law and order situation and security arrangements in the province. The meeting decided to expand the scope of use of information technology to the whole province for the purpose of improving efficiency of police stations and provision of prompt justice to the common man. In this connection, the pilot project for the computerization of 10 police stations of Lahore will be extended to all police stations of Punjab under a phased programme.

The Chief Minister directed concerned authorities to evolve a comprehensive project in this regard and said that besides short term planning, medium and long term planning should also be made as use of information technology can help in reducing crime rate and providing prompt justice to the common man at police stations. He said that modern technology is of vital importance for resolving the problems and provision of justice to the citizens at police stations. He said that information and communication measures can help control crimes and maintain law and order. He said that computerization of police stations will improve their performance, therefore, full benefit should be taken from information technology for further enhancing efficiency of Punjab police.

Shahbaz Sharif directed that Punjab police should extend the scope of FIR information system. He said that immediate and effective measures are needed to restore the confidence of the masses in police. He said that accountability system of police officers and staff can result in substantial improvement at police station level as well as transformation of Thana culture. He directed that an effective system of accountability should be ensured in police as it will result in positive changes at police station level. He further directed to compile a complete data of police officers and staff through the use of information technology. He said that resources will continue to be provided to police but it should show results.

The Chief Minister directed that RPOs and DPOs should regularly visit their concerned police stations to review their efficiency. Inspector General Police informed the meeting that 15 System is being upgraded and linked with police stations. He said that posting of Admin Officers in police stations is yielding positive results.

Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board Umar Saif gave a detailed briefing on the measures taken for benefiting from information technology in police stations. Provincial Minister Col. Retd. Shuja Khanzada, Member Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah, Chief Secretary, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Inspector General Police, Secretary Home and concerned police officers attended the meeting.