The Punjab Police has reported a significant decrease in the overall crime rate, with major crimes dropping by up to 70%, under the government’s new Crime Control Department (CCD).

Addressing a joint press conference in Lahore, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar and Additional IG CCD Sohail Zafar Chattha said decisive steps have been taken to strengthen law enforcement, modernize the police system, and eliminate organized criminal networks across the province.

According to official data, the murder rate in Punjab has dropped by 49%, falling from 1,300 to 800 incidents per month. Similarly, vehicle snatching cases have declined by 62%, reflecting the success of ongoing police operations.

Chattha said that the CCD is pursuing a “zero-tolerance policy” toward crime, focusing on offences such as robbery, murder, rape, and vehicle theft.

“Every month, nearly 500 fewer people are being killed compared to last year,” he said, crediting the chief minister’s special focus on police reforms and the establishment of the CCD for this remarkable progress.

Weapon-free Punjab initiative launched

As part of efforts to reduce gun-related crime, the Punjab government has announced a 15-day amnesty period for citizens to voluntarily surrender illegal weapons.

“No legal action will be taken against those who deposit unlicensed weapons within the given time,” Chattha stated. “However, after 15 days, strict action will be taken against anyone found possessing illegal arms.”

He added that licensed weapons will also be verified under the new law, and licenses found in violation will be revoked. The government has set a target to reduce gun crime by 75% in the next four months.

CM's reforms and modernization drive

The Punjab chief minister has played a key role in overhauling the province’s policing structure. Upon assuming office, she initiated measures to eliminate “daala (pickup trucks) culture” and curb all forms of mafia activity in Punjab.

The CM also approved Rs1.5 billion for each border check post to strengthen border security and directed the deployment of a modern drone surveillance system to improve monitoring and rapid response capabilities. All police recruitments, according to the IG, were conducted purely on merit, with no political interference.

CCD: New era of organized crime control

Legislation establishing the CCD was passed earlier this year, making it an integral part of the Punjab Police. The department has been instrumental in tracking and dismantling organized criminal networks and has introduced modern investigative tools for effective enforcement.

“CCD was the chief minister’s mission to end organized crime,” said Chattha, adding that the unit’s continuous operations have helped restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Chattha also announced that the government is introducing new standards for private security companies, which previously operated without uniform regulations.

He said that a recruitment procedure is being developed to ensure professionalism and accountability, and licenses of private security firms will be strictly regulated under the new framework.

The Punjab Police emphasized that operations will continue across the province to eradicate illegal weapons, dismantle mafias, and prevent organized crime. “We are determined to make Punjab safer, stronger, and free of crime,” said Chattha.