Punjab Launches Crackdown on Public Display of Firearms and Intimidating Use of Pickup Trucks

In a bold move to restore public safety and social order, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued strict directives to crack down on the public display of firearms and the intimidating use of pickup trucks (dalas) across the province. This initiative is part of her administration’s broader push to curb lawlessness and ensure that streets remain safe for all citizens.

The operation will be spearheaded by the newly formed Crime Control Department (CCD), a specialized agency established to combat criminal behavior and reduce social unrest. Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sohail Zafar Chatha announced that the CCD will take “indiscriminate action” against violators, leaving no room for leniency.

“Spreading fear and panic in society and displaying weapons cannot be allowed at all,” Chatha asserted, highlighting that over 21,000 Safe City surveillance cameras will be utilized to monitor public spaces. Additionally, AI-powered systems will aid in identifying individuals who brandish firearms or use vehicles as a means of coercion or show of dominance.

A key focus of this crackdown is the abuse of pickup trucks, which have become a symbol of elite power and intimidation in recent years. These vehicles are often seen speeding through urban areas with siren lights flashing, heavily armed guards riding in the back, and reckless disregard for traffic laws—all tactics designed to assert authority and intimidate the general public.

Officials have confirmed that any individual or group misusing such vehicles will be held accountable under strict laws, including possible vehicle seizure, arrest, and prosecution under public safety regulations.

This province-wide action is seen as a significant step toward reining in a culture of impunity and restoring a sense of normalcy and safety on Punjab’s roads. The move has been welcomed by civil society groups and ordinary citizens alike, who have long expressed concerns about the open display of firearms and the unchecked behavior of powerful individuals on the streets.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on official statements and policy announcements as of the publication date. Citizens are advised to follow all applicable laws and report any suspicious or unlawful activity to local authorities. Updates and further details may be found on the official Punjab Police and Safe City project websites.

Afsheen Gohar

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