LAHORE: Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a sweeping security crackdown across Punjab province, placing the safety of Chinese nationals and the pacification of riverine hideouts at the top of the state’s agenda during a high-stakes Apex Committee meeting on Wednesday.
Security Collaboration and Tributes to Martyrs
The session commenced with a tribute to the nation’s defenders. The Chief Minister expressed profound gratitude to the Pakistan Army for the success of Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq.
Authorities briefed the committee on proactive security measures being implemented for public protection.
وزیراعلی @MaryamNSharif کی زیرصدارت صوبائی ایپکس کمیٹی کا اجلاس منعقد ہوا جس میں مجموعی سیکیورٹی صورتحال اور صوبے میں امن و امان کے امور کا تفصیلی جائزہ لیا گیا۔ اجلاس میں آپریشن ضربُ اللحق کی کامیابی پر اظہارِ تشکر کیا گیا اور پاک فوج کو خراجِ تحسین پیش کیا گیا۔ pic.twitter.com/9094t4Nw1l
— Maryam Nawaz Updates (@MNS_Updates) March 4, 2026
CM Maryam expressed satisfaction over the “effective collaboration between institutions,” emphasising that despite national challenges, the province remains resilient.
She specifically lauded the Lahore Police for their handling of recent protest situations, noting that officers were directed to treat peaceful protesters with respect, going as far as arranging Iftari for them during the demonstrations.
Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee to consider overall security situation in the province. Paying tribute to Pakistan Army, she expressed gratitude over success of operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq., and also paid homage to Colonel… pic.twitter.com/ZSQ1azQI68
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) March 4, 2026
Kacha Operation and Anti-Drone Strategy
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the law and order situation in the riverine (Kacha) areas.
The Chief Minister announced that the province is activating a specialised Anti-Drone Unit at the provincial level, with Anti-Drone Cells to be established in every district to counter emerging threats.
She expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army and Sindh Police for their pivotal role in the success of operations in the Kacha region. “For three and a half months now, no case of kidnapping for ransom has emerged in Kacha,” she informed the committee.
To solidify these gains, the government is launching development projects worth Rs 10 billion for the area, including Safe City projects, education, and health reforms.
She added that 1,500 personnel will be deployed with bulletproof vehicles, and under the ‘Apna Kheit, Apna Rozgar’ programme, landless farmers will be given agricultural land to ensure economic stability and prevent radicalisation.
Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Nationals
The committee reviewed progress on the repatriation of illegally-residing Afghan nationals.
The Chief Minister reported that over 10,500 illegal Afghans have been deported, with ten to twelve individuals being sent back daily as part of ongoing combing operations. She urged strict implementation of SOPs and emphasised the need for joint measures to suppress terrorist elements.
Security of Chinese Nationals Non-Negotiable
Reaffirming the importance of bilateral ties, CM Maryam stated that special attention is being given to the security of Chinese nationals working in the province. “Negligence in this regard will not be tolerated,” she warned, adding that Chinese nationals will now only move around with a police escort.
She also directed the authorities to adopt artificial intelligence technology, on the pattern of China, for effective traffic management in Lahore.
Administrative Successes and Ramadan Relief
The Chief Minister highlighted several governance milestones. She noted with satisfaction that Punjab is moving towards being “smog-free,” as schools and hotels did not have to be closed this year.
Reflecting on the successful and safe Basant festival in Lahore, she remarked that 100% compliance with safety rod installations on bikes proved citizens are law-abiding.
On the religious front, she announced that for the first time in Pakistan’s history, a respectable monthly honorarium has been fixed for 74,000 mosque imams.
Regarding the ongoing Ramadan relief efforts, she detailed that under the ‘Ramadan Nigahban package,’ an unprecedented Rs 10,000 each has been distributed to 4.2 million families.
Data was compiled through the PSER survey, and those who missed out are being given financial assistance within 24 hours.
She confirmed that Ramadan Nigahban and Sahulat Bazaars in every tehsil are providing essential items at affordable prices.
The meeting was attended by the Corps Commander Lahore and other relevant civil and military officials.
