LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem has said that immediate action is being taken to curb sexual crimes against women and children on the chief minister’s directives and that 80 per cent of such crimes are committed by the relatives or people known to the victims.

The IGP said this at a ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised by the Lahore Press Club here on Tuesday, flanked by Lahore DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and other police officers.

The Punjab police chief said that crime reporters play a vital role in identifying crime, guiding law enforcement agencies and helping improve the policing system, describing them as the “eyes, ears and helpers” of the Punjab Police.

He said there were 800 police stations in Punjab, which are the basic service-delivery mechanism of the police.

Listing the reforms introduced in policing, he cited automated systems, Safe City cameras, virtual women police stations and centres for child safety, body cameras and panic (pink) buttons as examples.

“The purpose of the police is to provide justice to people,” he said, adding that measures are being taken to ensure greater relief to the citizens visiting police stations.

Regarding the Crime Control Department (CCD), the IG said its scope is limited and that serious crimes have “declined significantly because of effective measures.”

Only the cases falling within the CCD’s jurisdiction are being referred to the department, he added.

The IGP said departmental proceedings have already been initiated against police personnel, from constable to senior ranks, over corruption and irregularities. He warned that there would be no leniency in the complaints of corruption, misconduct or abuse of authority by police officials.

He claimed that property-related crimes in Punjab have “almost been eliminated” and that the traffic system has also improved.

He announced that a board for promotion from the rank of sub-inspector to inspector would be convened soon. He said the Elite Orientation Course was meant for officers up to the ASP rank.

On the use of body cameras, Mr Kareem said the chief minister had allocated Rs12 billion for the initiative and that a consignment comprising 1,000 body cameras had arrived, with around 500 expected to be received on Tuesday, while more were on the way.

“Now every police officer deployed at a checkpoint will have a body camera,” he said.

The IG attributed the restoration of peace in the Katcha areas to effective police action and government measures.

He further stated that legislation against illegal weapons is being introduced, and a summary in this regard is in process.

At the conclusion of the programme, the press club president presented a shield to the IGP, who reciprocated the gesture by presenting police souvenirs to the club office-bearers.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2026

Paris ( Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch hoisted national flag to the tune of the national anthem at the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris and welcomed distinguished members of the Pakistani community including large number of children.

Messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out on the occasion.
Congratulating all on the Independence Day, the Ambassador said that 14th August was truly auspicious as it brought together the entire nation – in celebration, in paying homage to the Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the freedom movement, in remembrance of the supreme sacrifices of our forefathers and drawing inspiration from our glorious past and the tremendous achievements over the decades.

The Government of Pakistan is observing the current year – 2026 – as the “Year of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah” to mark his 150th birth anniversary, she added. The great intellectual vision of Quaid requires the nation to uphold his principles and play its due role in the development and progress of Pakistan. The Ambassador highlighted that Quaid-e-Azam had given the nation three golden principles, faith, unity and discipline and adherence to these principles would lead the nation towards a bright future for the generations to come.
Ambassador Baloch said that as we celebrate our freedom we should remember our Kashmiri and Palestinian brothers and sisters, who have been struggling for over seven decades for their freedom and right to self-determination. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s political and diplomatic support to the people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine for their legitimate rights.

Ambassador also appreciated the contributions of Pakistani diaspora in France in promoting Pakistan-France relations. She reiterated Embassy’s fully commitment to continue to facilitate Pakistanis based in France.
Later, the Ambassador inaugurated the ‘historic photo exhibition’ based on the life and works of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at the Embassy. The exhibition showcased a remarkable collection of
archival records and photographs chronicling the visionary leadership and enduring
legacy of the founder of Pakistan. The guests especially the children took a keen interest in the exhibition and raised slogans of Pakistan Zindabad.

Paris ( Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch today received the top professional Pakistan PUBG MOBILE team ‘4Thrives’, which is competing in the high-stakes competition, PUBG MOBILE World Cup 2026 Grand Finals at the Esports World Cup (EWC) being held in Paris.

The team members of ‘4Thrives’ briefed the Ambassador on the game and the hard work they all had put in to finish at the top of the qualifying round and reaching the Grand Finals. They were enthusiastic about their performance which has cemented their position among the world’s best PUBG MOBILE teams.

The Ambassador appreciated the team members for their enthusiastic participation and accomplishments and wished them success for the Grand Finals. She said the Pakistani nation has proudly witnessed the recent achievements of the 4Thrives team and expressed confidence that it would win the prestigious trophy in Paris as well.

This is the first time that EWC is being held in Paris – a true global phenomenon represented by more than 2,000 players from 200 clubs and 100 different countries.

Let’s celebrate and cheer Pakistan PUBG MOBILE team ‘4Thrives’ for the Grand Finals this week!