Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting after taking notice of a sudden rise in crime across the province, sharply questioning police performance.

During the meeting, the chief minister personally presented videos of recent crime incidents and reprimanded senior police officers, particularly over failure to control crime in Sheikhupura and Faisalabad.

Calling the spike in crime “alarming and shameful,” she said Punjab had been brought under control after sustained efforts and warned there was no room for complacency.

“I have freed the police from all interference, ensured merit-based postings, and provided full budget, weapons, equipment and vehicles. Now they must deliver,” she said.

CM Maryam highlighted several incidents, including a car battery theft in Gulberg and a robbery in Gujrat, where passengers were robbed after a bus was stopped. She said such incidents were unacceptable despite the Safe City systems being operational.

She also expressed concern over rising drug-related cases and cited an incident in which a Speedo bus conductor assaulted a minor, saying such acts reflect a lack of fear of the law.

The chief minister reiterated that the government would take all necessary measures to improve law and order, including strict action where required.