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Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Child workers driven toward education: CM
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Punjab is ensuring the protection of children's rights by establishing the first Virtual Child Safety Station. She stated in a message on the World Day Against Child Labour, "The Punjab government is taking effective measures against child labour. Children are being freed from forced labour and driven towards attaining education." According to a statement, a team of experts in the virtual centre is tasked with carrying out search operations for missing children, getting in touch with their families and verifying their credentials. The centre has proven effective in bringing back home not only missing children but also elderly people. A helpline has been activated for missing children and citizens of other provinces as well. At least 59,635 people have so far contacted the Virtual Safety Centre to complain about missing persons, of which 53,542 cases have been resolved. The chief minister highlighted, "Whether children belong to Punjab or any other province, they are all dear to us." She maintained, "In case of disappearance, we are determined to fulfill our responsibility of bringing every child home safe and sound. Every citizen of the country can benefit from Pakistan's first Virtual Centre for Child Safety." She outlined, "We are ready to utilise all available state resources for the safe return of missing children." On the other hand, only 37 per cent of the total 895 cases of child labour reported across the country in 2024 resulted in convictions. This was revealed in the Sustainable Social Development Organisation's (SSDO) annual report. Punjab reported the highest number of cases at 450, followed closely by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with 426. In contrast, Sindh and Balochistan showed alarmingly low reporting rates. SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas said that child labour is not just a legal violation but a moral crisis that endangers the very fabric of the society. He said child labour is a crime that extinguishes the hopes and potential of future generations. "It is a stain on our conscience and we cannot move forward as a nation while allowing our children to be trapped in cycles of exploitation." He emphasised the urgent need for the government to strengthen child protection institutions and implement a cohesive national strategy to address the root causes of child labour. "We need a coordinated, inter-provincial policy framework, backed by modern technology to identify risks early and ensure timely intervention," he added. He also called for greater investment in education and social welfare to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Meanwhile, the Dolphin Squad rescued a teenage girl who had been kidnapped from Ravi Road and arrested the suspected abductor. According to a spokesperson, an operation was conducted in the Kot Kamboh area, where the squad rescued the girl and apprehended the suspect. According to the police, the girl had been kidnapped on May 23 by 25-year-old Junaid from Sham Pura. The kidnapping case was registered at Ravi Road police station. "The Dolphin Squad conducted a targeted operation based on intelligence reports and traced the victim to Kot Kamboh," said the spokesperson. The team informed the girl's parents about her recovery and transferred her to Nawan Kot police station for legal proceedings regarding the case. The arrested suspect will be presented before a magistrate and the investigation is ongoing.
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Christian worship, prayer services held: Punjab Police remain high alert
LAHORE: Punjab Police remained on high alert while performing duties during Christian worship and prayer services held in churches across Lahore and the province. Earlier, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar issued orders to RPOs and DPOs to enhance the security arrangements of churches. IG Punjab said that supervisory officers should personally inspect the security arrangements of churches and important locations. Additional police personnel and snipers should be deployed at sensitive churches. Dolphin Squad, PRU, and Elite teams should ensure effective patrolling around churches. On-duty police officers and personnel must remain highly alert and keep a close watch on miscreants. Search and sweep operations should continue around churches, Christian localities, and sensitive places. Dr. Usman Anwar further said that religious scholars, the Christian community, and members of peace committees should promote interfaith harmony. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Home dept unveils security plan for Jumatul Wida, Eid
The Punjab Home Department has rolled out a detailed security strategy to ensure peaceful observances of Jumatul Wida, Yaoum-e-Quds, and Eidul Fitr across the province. The plan includes multi-layered security arrangements at places of worship, increased surveillance in public spaces, and strict monitoring of inter-city and inter-provincial routes to maintain law and order. Authorities have implemented a three-tier security system at all mosques, Imambargahs, and Eidgahs, with central entry points fortified by walk-through gates, metal detectors, and CCTV surveillance. Female police officers have also been deployed to ensure the safety of women worshippers. Additionally, security personnel in protective gear will be stationed at key locations, and special pickets will be set up to deter any potential threats. To prevent public disturbances, the Punjab government has banned incendiary speeches, provocative sloganeering, and misuse of loudspeakers, warning of strict legal action against violators. Enhanced security will also be in place at Eid bazaars, parks, hotels, and other crowded areas, while disaster response teams, including Rescue 1122, bomb disposal squads, and health departments, remain on high alert. As part of confidence-building measures, City SP Captain (retd) Qazi Ali Raza held a meeting with religious scholars and peace committee members, urging them to support law enforcement in ensuring a peaceful environment. "Islam teaches us peace and unity, and we must work together to ensure a safe and harmonious Eid," he stated, praising religious leaders for their role in promoting interfaith harmony. Meanwhile, Lahore police have ramped up their crackdown on criminal elements ahead of the holidays. In a 48-hour operation, the Dolphin Squad arrested 284 suspects, including 48 wanted criminals and 58 habitual offenders. SP Dolphin Shahmir Khalid confirmed that snap-checking and patrolling will continue throughout Eid to prevent any security breaches.
Express Tribune
31-01-2025
- Express Tribune
Cops allegedly steal 130k from paan shop
LAHORE: Police officers conducting a routine check in Mughalpura allegedly stole cash worth Rs130,000 from a paan shop, the shopkeeper claimed on Friday. According to the complainant, the officers initially returned Rs55,000 but took the remaining Rs75,000 and several cigarette packs to the police station. He further stated that CCTV footage captured the officers conducting the inspection inside his shop. The shopkeeper has filed a formal complaint with Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), requesting the return of his money and departmental action against the involved personnel. The CCPO has ordered SSP Internal Accountability Branch (IAB) to investigate the matter. Officials have assured that if the officers are found guilty, strict action will be taken against them. Meanwhile, Dolphin Squad apprehended a fraudster disguised as a beggar after he snatched cash from a citizen near Muslim Town Road, officials said on Wednesday. According to the police spokesperson, the suspect targeted Abdul Rehman, a businessman who had travelled from Faisalabad to Lahore for work. The accused managed to grab Rs150,000 from him before fleeing. Acting on the victim's complaint, a patrolling Dolphin Squad team arrested one of the culprits, while his accomplice managed to escape. The snatched amount was immediately recovered and returned to Abdul Rehman on the spot. During interrogation, the detained suspect reportedly confessed to multiple similar crimes. He was handed over to Muslim Town police for further investigation, while efforts are underway to apprehend his accomplice.
