Effective steps stressed to end violence against women

LAHORE : The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), On Saturday, organised a ‘Violence Against Women, Never Again’ conference at its headquarters on Saturday. The conference highlighted the role of the Virtual Women Police Station in addressing violence against women in Punjab.

The event brought together experts from the police department, education, UNO, media, and legal sectors. Managing Director PSCA, M Ahsan Younas, SSP Riffat Bukhari, CTO Ammara Athar, ASP Shehr Bano, and other police officials attended the conference. Experts discussed ways to eliminate gender-based violence by understanding its root causes. They also exchanged views on timely responses to gender-based violence, technology usage, safety apps, helplines, and data integration.

Experts emphasised the need for police to adopt modern investigation methods for cybercrimes against women. Managing Director PSCA, M Ahsan Younas, stated that Safe City assists women across Punjab through the Virtual Women Police Station, utilizing modern technology to ensure women's safety. Women can register complaints through the Women Safety App in any emergency. The experts lauded Safe Cities’ role in protecting women through technology.

3 mobile phone thieves apprehended

Dolphin Police apprehended three individuals involved in mobile phone thefts at wedding halls in the Baghbanpura area on Saturday.

According to a spokesperson from the Dolphin Force, the arrests were made during a snap-checking routine, targeting suspects posing as guests at wedding functions.

The Dolphin team swiftly acted and rounded up the culprits, recovering several stolen mobile phones from their possession. The suspects have been handed over to Baghbanpura Police Station for further investigation.

Strict crackdown ordered on loader rickshaws

CTO Lahore, Ammara Athar, has ordered a strict crackdown on loader rickshaws operating on key model roads in the city.

The ban, which aims to prevent accidents and protect citizens, applies to Mall Road, Jail Road, Canal Road, and Main Boulevard Gulberg. According to the CTO, loader rickshaws carrying iron rods, steel bars, bamboo, and other items protruding from the vehicle will no longer face simple fines but instead be charged with formal legal action.

The CTO emphasised that these overloaded rickshaws pose a grave danger, calling them "moving death traps." She further stated that both the driver and the rickshaw owner will now be named in FIRs for violations, and any driver exceeding the load limit will have their driving licence cancelled.

The authorities have urged rickshaw owners and drivers to strictly follow the designated load limits to avoid penalties.