LAHORE: Punjab Law and Cooperatives Minister Raja Basharat on Wednesday expressed grave concern
over the rising incidents of violence against women across the province and said that there was
a deep concern over the rising crime against women among from the Chief Minister to lower levels.
He was presiding over the 82nd meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order at the Civil
Secretariat under his chairmanship.
Raja said that reports from all over the province were saying that crimes against women had increased
in recent times so concrete steps should be taken instead of seminars to curb these crimes.
He warned that denial or delay in registration of FIR against such incidents would not be tolerated.
He directed the IG Punjab Police and Secretary Prosecution to present full details of arrests, challans
and investigations in the cases on violence against women at the next meeting of the committee.
The provincial minister directed the police to activate the district anti-crime cells set up for women
in a proper manner and to diligently inform the Women Protection Authority of its steps during the
investigation.
Expressing deep concern over the alarming rise in the crime rate in Circle Rawalpindi, he directed
the RPO concerned to submit a detailed report on it. He also directed strict action against the culprits
involved in the increasing incidents of child abuse once again rising in Kasur.
The minister also called for foolproof security arrangements for the upcoming Chehlum processions
and cricket matches.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee accorded approval to the appointment of Price Magistrates across
the province.
Chairperson Women Authority Fatima Chadhar, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Additional IG Punjab,
AIG CTD and Special Branch, CCPO and other officers were also present while Divisional Commissioners
and RPOs gave briefings through video link.