Punjab Police Stations Initiative: 99 Under Construction

In a significant development for law enforcement in Punjab, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, has announced that 99 police stations are currently under construction across various districts in the province. This initiative includes 39 smart police stations that are nearing completion. The move aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of police services in the region.

Traditionally, the cost of constructing a police station in Punjab ranged from Rs200 million to Rs250 million. However, with the introduction of modern designs and multipurpose buildings, the new smart police stations are being built at a much lower cost, estimated between Rs60 million to Rs100 million. Dr. Anwar highlighted that the construction of just 10 smart police stations on government land is expected to save the government over Rs20.8 million annually.

Among the notable projects, 22 smart police stations are being constructed in densely populated areas of Lahore, which is expected to lead to substantial savings for the national treasury. This initiative is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s “Safe Punjab Vision,” which aims to improve public safety and security across the province.

Previously, 10 police stations in Lahore were operating from rented buildings, costing the government millions in annual rent. These stations included Sanda, Millat Park, Gujjarpura, Kot Lakhpat, Islampura, Shalimar, Samanabad, Shafiqabad, Shad Bagh, and Johar Town. The new smart police stations are being constructed on one to two kanal of government land in these densely populated areas, significantly reducing costs.

Dr. Usman Anwar emphasized that all smart police stations will function under the Special Initiative Police Stations Protocol and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The construction efforts are spread across various cities, with three police stations being built in Multan, two each in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot, and one each in Attock, Gujrat, Sahiwal, and Sheikhupura.

This ambitious project not only aims to modernize the police infrastructure but also seeks to enhance the overall safety and security of the citizens of Punjab. By investing in smart police stations, the Punjab Police is taking a proactive approach to address the challenges of modern policing. As these stations become operational, they are expected to provide better services to the community, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.