Punjab Faces Terror Threat from Other Provinces: Maryam Nawaz

LAHORE: (News Desk) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has termed terrorism a major threat to the province, saying Punjab is facing serious security challenges from neighbouring provinces and that there will be no compromise on peace and security.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of an Artificial Intelligence Hub in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said the people of Punjab were looking towards the provincial government for protection and better governance. She said billions of rupees were being spent to strengthen the province’s security infrastructure in response to changing threats.

The chief minister said she was more concerned about security threats emerging from neighbouring provinces than those originating from neighbouring countries. She pointed to the riverine Kacha areas, which had remained centres of crime for decades, saying the situation had now improved considerably with the cooperation of the Pakistan Army and the Sindh government.

Maryam Nawaz said additional threats were emerging from areas along the provincial borders. She said joint check posts had been strengthened to counter such challenges, while the newly established intelligence hub would play a key role in improving coordination and information-sharing among security agencies.

She said controlling crime and dismantling organised criminal networks had remained among the government’s major challenges. Recalling the situation in the past, the chief minister said there was a time when multiple murders could take place openly in Punjab, highlighting the scale of the security problems faced by the province.

Maryam Nawaz also expressed concern over cases of child abuse, describing such incidents as particularly disturbing. She said the enforcement of helmet rules for motorcyclists had been a difficult decision, but the government had moved ahead with strict implementation. Riders violating the rules are being stopped and penalised, she added.

On the issue of corruption, the chief minister announced that strict action would be taken against those involved, regardless of their status or position. She claimed that Punjab currently had a lower level of corruption compared with other provinces.

Maryam Nawaz said corruption had unfortunately become deeply rooted in parts of society, with some people beginning to regard it as a normal part of everyday life instead of recognising it as a serious social evil.

She reiterated that her government would not tolerate corruption and said action would be taken wherever evidence of corrupt practices was found.