LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over rising street crimes in Punjab and directed the provincial government to take measures for protecting lives and properties of the people.

While chairing a meeting on the law and order in the province, the prime minister said the public opinion could only be turned in favour of the police and law enforcement agencies by showing performance.

During the meeting, he was briefed on the law and order situation in the province, terror threats as well as the measures being taken to curb crime and lawlessness. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of steps to eliminate the sources of terror financing and relevant laws.

The prime minister appreciated the performance of the law enforcement agencies regarding the fulfillment of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s action plan.

He said the whole nation was united against terrorism and stood side by side with the country’s armed forces. “Our struggle will go on till the elimination of terrorism. The government will never compromise Pakistan’s security and defence,” he remarked.

He said the role of the provinces in implementation of the National Action Plan would be revived which had subsided over last four years.

He opined that ignorance of the province’s role in the National Action Plan during last four years also led to the rise in terrorism. He said that it was inevitable to ensure law and order in the country for revival of the national economy and country’s development.

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On Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz expressed deep concern over the rising crime rate in Lahore and other cities and directed to take all necessary steps in order to protect the life and property of people.

While presiding over a meeting on the law and order situation, the chief minister had directed to take indiscriminate action against suspects involved in heinous crimes.

The chief minister said that reputed officers have been deputed in the police department and results should be visible regarding law and order situation.

He urged police to perform their duties efficiently in order to control street crimes, adding that ensuring law and order is their foremost priority.

CM Punjab directed to deal with an iron hand against the accused involved in committing crimes against the women and children.