Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has warned that the province is facing a growing Punjab security threat from neighbouring provinces and border regions, describing the situation as a serious challenge for law enforcement agencies. Speaking at an artificial intelligence technology event in Lahore on Saturday, she said security measures had been strengthened to counter threats emerging from sensitive areas.
Maryam Nawaz said threats were particularly emerging from the tri-border area and regions bordering other provinces. She said joint checkposts had been strengthened and security personnel were being provided with modern equipment to improve their ability to respond to militant attacks.
Security Measures Strengthened
The chief minister said there would be no compromise on law and order and that all available resources were being used to eliminate terrorism and extremism from Punjab.
According to Maryam Nawaz, security personnel had previously faced serious risks at checkposts, where militants sometimes possessed more advanced weapons and night-vision equipment than police officers. She said the situation had now changed after checkposts were equipped with bulletproof protection, thermal imaging systems and night-vision cameras.
These measures, she said, had significantly reduced the risk of casualties among personnel deployed at vulnerable locations.
The government’s approach to the Punjab security threat includes strengthening physical security infrastructure as well as improving the technological capabilities available to law enforcement agencies.
Katcha Areas Cleared
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the government’s actions in the katcha, or riverine, areas of the province.
She said these regions had remained centres of terrorism and criminal activity for decades but had now been cleared and converted into crime-free zones.
The chief minister claimed that crime across Punjab had declined by up to 70%, while stressing that development alone could not improve people’s lives without effective law enforcement.
She questioned the value of roads and development projects if citizens remained vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Her remarks reflected the government’s position that public safety must accompany economic and infrastructure development.
Addressing the Punjab security threat, she said difficult decisions had been taken whenever the state’s writ was challenged and that authorities had responded where necessary to maintain peace.
Crackdown on Corruption
The chief minister also discussed the government’s campaign against corruption, saying action had already been taken after irregularities were detected in the Suthra Punjab programme.
Officials found involved in corruption were suspended, while a helpline was established to allow citizens to report corrupt practices.
Maryam Nawaz said written instructions had been issued to inspectors general, regional police officers and other officials to take action against corrupt elements.
She also pointed to the use of body cameras by police officers as another measure designed to improve accountability and monitor their conduct while performing official duties.
She made it clear that the government would pursue corruption regardless of the amount involved, saying even small cases would not be ignored.
Religious Harmony and Minority Protection
Maryam Nawaz also addressed security arrangements surrounding religious occasions. She said some groups had previously used religion as a cover to spread hatred, forcing police to divert resources away from other responsibilities.
She noted that Muharram, Eid Miladun Nabi and other religious festivals had passed peacefully, describing this as an important achievement for law and order.
The chief minister further stressed that crimes against minorities could no longer be tolerated. Her remarks placed religious harmony and protection of communities within the wider security agenda.
Technology and Public Safety
The government is also using technology as part of its efforts to improve governance and public safety.
Maryam Nawaz said billions had been spent to transform Punjab into a technology-enabled province. Modern security equipment, body cameras and other digital tools are intended to help authorities respond more effectively while improving accountability.
She also discussed the anti-encroachment campaign, saying vendors were not simply being removed from public spaces. Instead, alternative locations were being provided so they could continue earning a livelihood.
She said enforcement of helmet laws and lane discipline had initially been difficult but had produced significant changes. At the same time, she emphasised the need to educate pedestrians about traffic rules and road safety.
Public Trust Remains Important
Maryam Nawaz said protecting citizens was her personal responsibility despite the risks involved in maintaining security.
She argued that government efforts could only succeed if people trusted public institutions. According to the chief minister, public confidence is essential for Punjab’s continued progress.
The Punjab security threat remains a key concern as authorities focus on terrorism, crime, corruption and border-related risks. Maryam Nawaz’s comments suggest that the provincial government intends to combine stronger policing with technology, institutional accountability and development initiatives.
Her message was clear: economic progress and modern infrastructure cannot deliver their full benefits unless citizens feel safe. For the Punjab government, maintaining law and order will therefore remain closely connected to its broader development agenda.
