LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said the province faces a greater security challenge from its neighboring provinces than from neighboring countries, pointing to threats emerging along interprovincial and tri-border areas.
Speaking at an artificial intelligence technology event in Lahore on Saturday, Maryam said terrorism had entered Punjab through its provincial borders and stressed that the government was using technology and security measures to strengthen protection across the province.
She said joint checkpoints had been reinforced with modern surveillance equipment, including thermal imaging, night-vision cameras and bulletproof protection. According to the chief minister, such measures had helped reduce casualties among security personnel during attacks on checkpoints.
Maryam also highlighted organised crime and extremism as major challenges. She said groups had previously used religion to spread hatred and claimed that religious gatherings had recently been held peacefully, while stressing that crimes against minorities would not be tolerated.
The chief minister said security conditions in Punjab had improved since her government took office in 2024. She also described the katcha riverine areas, once associated with terrorism, kidnapping and other serious crimes, as areas where the writ of the state had now been restored.
Maryam further announced a tougher campaign against corruption, saying action would be taken against officials and individuals involved in corrupt practices. She said a public helpline had been established to allow citizens to report corruption, while body cameras had been provided to police officers to improve accountability.
The chief minister said billions of rupees had been invested in technology and security, describing Punjab as one of the country’s most technology-enabled provinces.
She maintained that maintaining public trust was essential for the province’s progress and vowed that her administration would continue taking action wherever the state’s authority was challenged.
