Maryam Nawaz launches bold police reforms to end fear and instill respect in Punjab

[LC150]

Maryam Nawaz launches bold police reforms to end fear and instill respect in Punjab​

Punjab Chief Minister introduces accountability measures and community policing

Last updated: February 15, 2026 | 13:35
Ashfaq Ahmed, Managing Editor
2 MIN READ
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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday gives three months deadline for police reforms.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken a bold step to reform the Punjab Police, a force long criticised for fear-driven enforcement, corruption, and poor public relations.
In a high-level televised meeting with Punjab Inspector General Abdul Kareem on Sunday, Chief Minister Maryam directed a complete overhaul of police behaviour, focusing on respect, professionalism, and accountability.

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Do not harass public​

“Police officers exist to serve the people, not intimidate or harass them. Teach them how to speak to citizens respectfully and groom them mentally. Those who fail to treat people with dignity will not be allowed to interact with the public,” she said in the meeting.

The Chief minister’s instructions emphasised using formal and courteous language, such as addressing citizens as “sir,” “madam,” “sahib,” or “sahiba,” instead of informal or abrasive terms that have historically alienated the public.

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New initiatives​

The initiative, part of the ‘Fast, Fearless, Transparent Justice’ program, outlines a multiphase reform plan aimed at building a police force that is accountable, citizen-friendly, and professional.
Respectful interaction: Officers on patrol, at checkpoints, service centres, and police stations will receive formal training in public engagement and body language. Complaints of misconduct will be recorded immediately, and officers will be required to wear body cameras to ensure transparency.
Accountability measures: Monthly performance evaluations will track adherence to professional conduct, while “panic buttons” outside police stations will allow citizens to lodge immediate complaints in cases of misconduct or negligence.
Counselling and training: Police personnel will undergo structured programs to unlearn harmful practices, cultivate ethical conduct, and adopt a service-oriented mindset.

Community policing initiatives: Chief Minister Maryam highlighted successful international examples, such as Japan’s model of student interns participating in policing activities. Local engagement programs during festivals like Basant will also be strengthened to foster trust between citizens and the police.
Through these measures, Punjab is seeking to transform a historically feared police force into a modern, transparent, and community-oriented institution, signalling a new era in law enforcement for the province.

Urgent reforms​

Maryam Nawaz underlined the urgent need for reform, noting that Punjab’s 700,000-strong police force must demonstrate visible results in public safety and citizen engagement. “Limited personnel have shown they can establish peace; now the entire force must be effective. Police should protect the public, only criminals should fear them,” she said.

Complaints​

The chief minister’s reforms come amid widespread complaints of intimidating behaviour by police officers, including abrupt language, harassment, and lack of accountability.

By formalising grooming, introducing body cameras, and emphasising courteous public engagement, the Punjab government aims to restore confidence in law enforcement and create a force that the public can trust.
“This is not just about rules or training. It is about changing the culture of policing in Punjab — ensuring respect, fairness, and dignity in every citizen interaction. A uniformed force that serves the public with integrity is the foundation of a just and safe society,” Maryam tweeted.
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Ashfaq AhmedManaging Editor
Ashfaq has been storming the UAE media scene for over 27 years. His insights, analysis and deep understanding of regional dynamics have helped make sense of the unfolding news. 
 He’s the go-to guy for deep dives into the South Asian diaspora, blending heart, and hardcore reporting into his pieces. Whether he's unpacking Pakistani community affairs, chasing down leads on international political whirlwinds, or investigative reports on the scourge of terrorism and regional drama — Ashfaq doesn’t miss a beat. 
 He's earned kudos for his relentless hustle and sharp storytelling. Dependable, dynamic, and unstoppable, Ashfaq does not just report the news, he shapes it. He has been in the business since 1991.
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[LC150]

the noonie family has been virtually ruling Punjab since the 1980s uninterrupted except under mushy and khan's rule ... they cant even fix the police..


they are so incompetent...

 

[SecularNationalist]

Well even though she is form 47 but gotta appreciate the few good steps.
Police body cameras and panic buttons outside police stations are really good initiatives. They are adopted in developed countries a long time ago kher der aayi durust aayi. They can really put a full stop on policemen harrasing couples,taking bribes or misbehaving with citizens.
Technology is rapidly transforming our old culture,ill societal norms and mindsets in a good way.

 

[Blueishere]

I doubt how effective these "reforms" are, but its a step in the right direction.

 

[LC150]

I doubt how effective these "reforms" are, but its a step in the right direction.

when do noonies do any thing that is effective....

PS this is just a re hash of what here uncle and daddy in the 80s and 90s...

 

[Xestan]

Body cams, if implemented would be a revolutionary step.

 

[Samlee]

Body cams, if implemented would be a revolutionary step.

Something Tells Me This Will Go The Way Of Biometric Attendance Of Government Schools Teachers

 

[LC150]

Body cams, if implemented would be a revolutionary step.

wont help.. if judiciary is corrupt

 

[Xestan]

wont help.. if judiciary is corrupt

Okay, alright, sure.

 

[clutch]

Bunch of jokers.

 

[LC150]

Okay, alright, sure.

not sure what you mean by that...

but even with open and shut cases people walk free...

this tech works in places like Australia where police is competent and efficient and judiciary is independent and not corrupt

 

[El Sidd]

PTI social media team should sanction 3 periods of the 24 day for the average revolutionary.

Zuhreyn time for Sharif cursing
Asreyn time for GHQ cursing
Maghribeyn for Zikr i Niazi

Discipline matters in such things.

 

[Mav3rick]

I doubt verbal instructions will have much effect. We need to overhaul the entire Police System and Criminal Justice System starting with reforming the FIR system in which the accused is arrested at the start of the investigation instead of after completion of investigation and concrete evidence.

This is how the system is abused; FIR is lodged against opponents by influential people and then those who are named in the FIR are arrested before the LEAs even start investigation on whether the complaint is even real. The onus then falls on the accused to defend his innocence.

 

[Mav3rick]

Another important thing to do would be to depoliticize the police by taking away the executive authority from CM and making the Police an autonomous body. When the political goons are unable to influence the Police, they will not be able to get away with all the murders, ghunda gardi, land grabbing, gambling, kidnappings, drug businesses, illegal arrests and detentions, etc. and the Police system will become much better.