CM Maryam Nawaz directs crackdown on corrupt SHOs

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the provincial police authorities to take strict action against officers with records

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the provincial police authorities to take strict action against officers with records of corruption and misconduct, directing that such officials should not be appointed as Station House Officers (SHOs).

According to sources familiar with the development and officials in the Chief Minister’s Office, Maryam Nawaz has instructed Inspector General of Police Punjab to thoroughly screen officers holding important field positions and remove those found to have questionable records. The IG Punjab has been given one week to complete the process and submit a progress report to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister stressed that officers known for corruption should not be given charge of police stations anywhere in Punjab. She directed the police leadership to ensure that appointments to the SHO position are based on integrity, professional conduct and performance rather than influence or other considerations.

Under the new instructions, police officers facing credible allegations or having a record of corruption will not be considered for appointment as SHOs. The police hierarchy has also been directed to identify and remove what the government described as “bad elements” from key positions.

Maryam Nawaz further ordered the police department to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward crimes against women and children. She called for immediate action against suspects involved in such offences and emphasized that cases involving vulnerable groups should be handled promptly and professionally.

The Chief Minister’s latest instructions are being viewed as another step toward her administration’s efforts to improve policing and strengthen public confidence in law-enforcement institutions. She has previously emphasized the need for a people-friendly police force that provides services to citizens without discrimination, corruption or unnecessary interference.

The Punjab government has also introduced and promoted measures aimed at improving police accountability and public service delivery, including digital mechanisms for handling complaints, performance-oriented postings and action against officers involved in unlawful activities.

The latest directive places particular emphasis on the role of SHOs, who serve as the primary point of contact between citizens and the police at the local level. Their conduct and performance can have a direct impact on how people perceive the overall law-and-order system.

A senior official in the Home Department said the government’s objective was to restore public confidence by addressing problems within the police structure, particularly at the station level.

The instructions have reportedly been conveyed to the IG Punjab and Regional Police Officers (RPOs) for immediate implementation. Police authorities are expected to review the records of officers posted to important positions and take action against those who fail to meet the required standards.

Officials are also expected to submit reports detailing the progress made during the seven-day period. The government is closely monitoring the process to ensure that the directives are implemented rather than remaining limited to administrative instructions.

The move comes as the Punjab government continues efforts to improve law and order, strengthen police accountability and enhance the delivery of public services across the province. The crackdown on corrupt officers is expected to further intensify scrutiny of police appointments and postings in the coming days.