Maryam approves Elite Snipers Unit

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the establishment of a specialized “Elite of the Elite Snipers Unit,” dedicated to carrying out highly targeted operations against terrorists, criminal syndicates and individuals involved in serious crimes across the province, especially in the Katcha region and the tri-border areas of Punjab.

This new unit is a vital component of the provincial government’s comprehensive strategy to ensure law and order while minimizing collateral damage to the civilians during sensitive counter-terrorism and anti-crime operations.

To fully equip the newly formed unit, the chief minister has allocated a substantial budget of Rs1.48 billion. The funds will be used to procure state-of-the-art long-range sniper rifles, modernized vehicles fitted with cutting-edge 5G locators, advanced drones, surveillance tools, crime scene investigation gadgets, thermal cameras, and other essential operational equipment.

These technological upgrades are expected to bolster the capabilities of the Sniper Unit, ensuring precision in high-stakes operations that could otherwise result in significant harm to public lives.

In addition to these strategic developments, the Punjab cabinet has also approved the “Draft Ordinance of Police 2025,” which is being sent to the governor for promulgation which will amend the existing Police Order 2002.

This amendment seeks to create a more effective and modern policing framework, establishing the Crime Control Department (CCD), a specialized unit focused on eliminating criminal elements and addressing serious crimes in the region.

Sources close to the government reveal that the primary focus of the CCD, in its first phase, will be on eradicating the notorious criminal groups operating in the Katcha area, a region known for its lawlessness and criminal activity. The Crime Control Department’s responsibilities will extend far beyond traditional policing methods.

In an unprecedented move, the Punjab government has approved the implementation of “E-tagging” for individuals suspected of being involved in serious crimes, including murder, kidnapping for ransom, robbery, and extortion. The “E-tagging” system will involve the use of electronic ankle or wrist bands, allowing law enforcement agencies to closely monitor the movements of criminals who pose a threat to public safety.

Individuals who are charged for serious crimes, and their cases are presented in court twice for a trial Section 173 of the CrPC, will be considered dangerous to society and tagged electronically for enhanced surveillance. In a further step to streamline law enforcement processes and ensure a more robust response to organized crime, the “Draft Ordinance of Police 2025” outlines the transfer of cases involving serious criminal activities to the newly established CCD.

Under this ordinance, crimes such as murder, rape during robbery, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal occupation, and attacks on law enforcement will be within the jurisdiction of the CCD.