Punjab to establish district coordination committees for enhanced policy implementation

LAHORE: After the decision by the Federal Apex Committee, work has officially begun to establish District Coordination Committees across Punjab to ensure effective enforcement of government policies and regulations at micro level.

The committees will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of key state policies, laws and directives from both federal and provincial apex committees. These bodies will have sweeping authority to address issues such as smuggling, action against narcotics, power theft and illegal petrol pumps, action against actors involved in illegal spectrum as well as curbing illegal settlements and activities in the suburbs of major cities.

The district coordination committees, which will also be responsible for establishing safe cities authorities, registering madrassas and ensuring mosques and madrassa reforms, will hold monthly coordination meetings and work in close liaison with the provincial implementation committee.

These committees will be co-chaired by deputy commissioners and brigade commanders/commanders of the respective districts concerned, with members drawn from law enforcement agencies including the District Police Officers, FIA, ANF, CTD, IB, ISI, MI and, if required, Customs officials.

The decision to establish district coordination committees in Punjab was taken in the federal apex committee meeting held on November 19 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This move is seen as a strategic step towards strengthening governance and ensuring the rule of law at the district level.