Latest news with #UsmanAnwar
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Business Recorder
Criminal groups: Punjab Police crackdown continues
LAHORE: Punjab Police, continuing its rigorous crackdown against organized criminal groups across the province including Lahore, arrested 23 members of 10 gangs within the past 24 hours. According to the details, a substantial cache of weapons was recovered from the arrested suspects, including Kalashnikovs, pistols, rifles, revolvers, shotguns, and hundreds of bullets, approximately 100 firearms. From the possession of the accused, police also recovered four vehicles, fifty-three motorcycles, four tolas of gold, twenty-two mobile phones, six livestock animals, and nine million rupees in cash. The spokesperson further said that during these operations, two hundred and sixty-seven proclaimed offenders, one hundred and sixty-five court absconders, and sixty-eight habitual criminals were also apprehended. In addition, five criminals were neutralized during police actions, eleven were injured, and twelve were arrested. Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has issued directives for the continuation of these operations with full force to further intensify the efforts against criminal elements across the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Police personnel: LCCI hails IGP for starting process of dual nationality certificates
LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mian Abuzar Shad has lauded Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar, for initiating the process of obtaining dual nationality certificates from police personnel. He termed the step a significant move in the national interest and urged the government to extend this practice across all government departments and require formal affidavits regarding dual citizenship from public servants. Mian Abuzar Shad said that holding dual nationality while serving in key and sensitive positions in government not only undermines public trust but also poses serious threats to national security and transparent governance. He said that all officials serving in the bureaucracy, semi-government organizations, public sector companies and other state institutions be required to submit verified certificates of their citizenship status and that a clear and comprehensive policy be developed in this regard. The LCCI President pointed out that officers with dual nationality often have the privilege of leaving the country in times of crisis, which reflects a weak institutional commitment and raises concerns about divided loyalties. Assigning such individuals to sensitive positions could be a dangerous move and must be addressed proactively. He added that the decision by the IG Punjab will not only promote transparency but also help restore institutional confidence across the country. He urged the government to expand this initiative beyond the police department and implement it across all public institutions without exception. Mian Abuzar said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry stands for institutional integrity, transparency and national interest and will support all positive initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and accountability in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Major cities under strict security as Muharram 9 processions continue
Listen to article Major cities across the country, including Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, are observing Muharram 9th processions on Saturday under heightened security, with mobile phone services suspended in some areas and key locations sealed amid fears of unrest. Authorities in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar deployed tens of thousands of police personnel, sealed sensitive areas, and partially suspended mobile phone services in efforts to prevent any untoward incidents. In Karachi, the main Muharram 9th procession will begin at 1:00 p.m. from Nishtar Park. Prior to the procession, a majlis (religious gathering) will be held at Nishtar Park, where Allama Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi will deliver a sermon. After the majlis, the Imamia Students Organisation will lead the congregational Zuhrain prayers. The procession will follow its traditional route—passing through Numaish, Saddar, Radio Pakistan, Jamia Cloth, and Denso Hall—before concluding at the Husainia Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar. All security arrangements have been finalised for the event. In Lahore, the main procession commenced at 10:00 a.m. in city's Pandu Street area. Punjab Police spokespersons reported more than 147,000 officers and staff were stationed throughout the province to secure 1,689 processions and nearly 3,900 majalis (religious gatherings). In Lahore alone, 79 processions and 378 majalis are being protected by more than 10,000 officers. Read: Karachi traffic plan for Muharram processions Special instructions have been issued to the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit (PRU). All teams are maintaining constant coordination with Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, Rescue 15, and other emergency services. Special attention is being paid to the safety of women and children. 'The entire province is on high alert,' said Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar. 'We're strictly enforcing Section 144 and the Loudspeaker Act.' In Peshawar, due to security concerns, mobile phone services have been suspended for the Muharram 9th and 10th . The city's BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) service has also been halted for two days. The main procession began at 10:00 a.m. from Husainia Hall. The Saddar and Cantonment areas of Peshawar have been completely sealed off, and commercial centres are closed. More than 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed in Peshawar, while entry of Afghan refugees into the city has been banned for two days. Several major roads including Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Khyber Bazaar, Circular Road, and GT Road have been closed.
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
IG Punjab orders upgradation of all police lines
LAHORE: Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, has taken a commendable initiative by issuing orders for the upgradation of all Police Lines across the province, including Lahore. IG Punjab stated that Rs 1 billion will be spent on the upgradation of Police Lines during the current fiscal year. 'Special focus will be given to the boundary walls, barracks, and kitchens of the Police Lines. Boundary walls will be made foolproof due to security concerns. Installation of additional lights, watch posts, and barbed wire will be ensured. Residential barracks for personnel will be reconstructed and renovated. Provision of all necessary facilities in the barracks will be ensured. Kitchens and stores will be upgraded in accordance with hygiene standards. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt launches 'cyber patrolling'
In an effort to counter sectarianism during Muharram, the Punjab Home Department has launched the province's first-ever Cyber Patrolling and Quick Response Cell. The state-of-the-art unit will operate round-the-clock to monitor social media platforms for objectionable and inflammatory content, and to take swift legal action against violators. According to official hand-outs released on June 30, the Punjab Police registered nine cases within the last 24 hours for the online circulation of sectarian and hateful content. Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with these cases - eight for posting on Facebook and two for sharing material via WhatsApp. The arrests were made in Sargodha, Sahiwal, Lodhran, Bhakkar, Khanewal, Rajanpur and Layyah. Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, affirmed that the force is actively cracking down on digital incitement of religious hatred. "Anyone using social media to spread sectarianism will face the full force of the law," he warned. The newly formed cyber cell is housed within the Home Department's central control room and operates in collaboration with the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). It monitors online platforms for hate speech, fake news, and provocative content. Reported material is relayed to the Special Branch, which in turn coordinates with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for blocking such content. So far, the unit has flagged 271 social media accounts to the PTA, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals involved in spreading sectarian hate online. The cell is also fully integrated with Punjab's Safe City infrastructure and receives real-time updates from district-level control rooms. A dedicated "Muharram e-Portal" has been established to link all districts with the central unit for streamlined coordination and incident reporting. Live surveillance of major Muharram processions and religious gatherings is also being conducted from the control room. The initiative was reviewed during the 31st meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, held at the Home Department and chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi and senior officials from police, Counter Terrorism Department, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies. Speaking at the meeting, Rafique reaffirmed that ensuring peace during Muharram is the provincial government's top priority. Over 150,000 police personnel have been deployed across Punjab, with support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers. Section 144 will be enforced on the 9th and 10th of Muharram to restrict pillion riding, and a blanket ban has been placed on the public display of weapons. He also confirmed that robust security arrangements have been finalised for the upcoming Urs of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar. The Home Department urged the public to use social media responsibly and warned that those found sharing sectarian or inflammatory content would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
