Qazi Shoaib Khan
ATTOCK: The Inspector General Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar while reviewing the progress through video link over the ongoing targeted anti-drug operations launched in the province has directed all the respective police officers including DPO Attock to eradicate the narcotics from their territories in line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for a drug-free Punjab. Syed Mubasher Hussain Director Public Relations Punjab Police says here on Friday. He said, the targeted anti-drug operations have been intensified across the province. Spokesperson of Punjab Police said that during the current year, 80,910 raids have been conducted on drug dealers’ hideouts, resulting in the arrest of 44,830 suspects and the registration of 44,767 cases. The seized items include 31,628 kilograms of charas, 725 kilograms of heroin, 1,137 kilograms of opium, 314 kilograms of ice, and over 737,000 liters of alcohol. Additionally, 1,240 individuals suffering from addiction have been admitted to rehabilitation facilities for treatment. Spokesperson further said that in the provincial capital, 7,347 raids have been conducted this year on drug dealers’ locations, leading to the arrest of 7,576 suspects and the registration of 7,347 cases. The seizures include 5,487 kilograms of charas, 240 kilograms of heroin, 285 kilograms of opium, 132 kilograms of ice, and 50,392 liters of alcohol. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has instructed to further accelerate special operations against drug dealers and smugglers, emphasizing the need for intelligence-based operations against those involved in this vile trade. IGP also directed that targeted operations against the purchase, online supply, smuggling, and use of modern drugs be intensified, with daily search and combing operations conducted in and around educational institutions and hostels. All accused involved in the drug supply chain are to be brought to justice and given severe punishments. Meanwhile, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar praised the Managing Director of the Punjab Safe Cities Authority as a valuable asset to the police department. He further said that, under the direction of Chief Minister Punjab, Safe City projects will be launched in 140 tehsils of Punjab. Punjab Safe Cities Authority is implementing smart city projects across Punjab using modern technology. Police officers also highlighted that police deployment is being done through the use of modern technology and crime mapping. Experts highly appreciated the role of Safe Cities in transforming policing through advanced technology. The conference on “Modern Policing” was held at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. The conference was attended by IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, the Managing Director of Safe Cities, along with other police officers. The “Tech-Driven Policing” conference saw participation from the police department, education sector, media, legal experts, and other professionals from various walks of life. Experts presented their views on the transformation in policing, its driving factors, and impacts due to the use of modern technology. Discussions also focused on enhancing public safety through the use of advanced technology. Experts emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and society to tackle modern crimes and challenges. Suggestions were presented regarding the challenges Punjab Police faces in utilizing modern technology. Experts noted that the use of artificial intelligence, smart cities, and the role of technology in policing are crucial for law enforcement. Police sources further said that another brave young officer of the Punjab Police has laid down his life in the line of duty. Elite Constable Tahir Raza Shah made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the lives and property of citizens during a confrontation with robbers in Chakwal. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar paid a heartfelt tribute to Constable Tahir Raza Shah’s eternal sacrifice, IGP Punjab said that the Elite constable gave his life fighting against robbers while on duty. Punjab Police will never forget the sacrifice of its brave officer. IG Punjab expressed condolences, deep sympathy, and sorrow to the martyr’s family. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the department to support the martyr’s family, and full cooperation will be provided in this regard. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has also sought a report of the incident from the RPO Rawalpindi. Spokesperson of Punjab Police said that the Chakwal police team conducted a raid in the jungle of Kalar Kahar Rattha village to arrest wanted criminals. During the encounter, Constable Tahir was shot in the abdomen and arm, and he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital. In the police’s retaliatory fire, two robbers were killed, and three were arrested. Later, the funeral prayers for the martyr Constable Tahir Raza Shah were held at the Police Lines Chakwal, attended by Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Amir Khattak, and senior police officers, who expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. Parliamentarians from Chakwal District also participated in the funeral prayers and conveyed their condolences to the grieving family. A police honor guard saluted the martyr’s body, and special prayers were offered for his elevated ranks. DPO Chakwal remarked that the eternal sacrifice and services will always be remembered. Condolences were also expressed to the bereaved family by the Chief Minister Punjab, IG Punjab, Chief Secretary Punjab, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, RPO Rawalpindi, and DPO Chakwal, with floral tributes laid. After the funeral prayers, the martyr’s body was sent to his ancestral village Karsal and was laid to rest with official honors, the spokesman added.