Punjab bans permanent police escorts for ministers, MPAs

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has banned the deployment of permanent police escorts for provincial ministers, lawmakers and other individuals as part of a move to regulate the use of police resources.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sajid Zafar Dall issued an official notification outlining the new restrictions. Under the decision, provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, parliamentary secretaries, standing committee chairpersons and members of the Punjab Assembly will no longer be allowed to retain permanent police squads.

The restrictions also extend to government officials and private individuals. The chief minister has directed authorities to ensure strict compliance and made it clear that unauthorised police escorts will not be permitted.

The notification also prohibits the installation of flagstaffs and the display of official flags on government vehicles without prior approval. The measures aim to prevent the unauthorised use of official privileges and police personnel for personal or protocol purposes.

The decision comes amid broader efforts by the provincial government to control public spending and limit the use of state resources for VIP protocol. In March, the government introduced austerity measures in response to rising fuel costs. These included suspending government-funded fuel for provincial ministers, reducing fuel allowances for government officers’ vehicles by 50 per cent and limiting protocol convoys accompanying ministers and senior officials to a single vehicle for essential security purposes.

The deployment of police personnel for VIP security has frequently raised concerns about the availability of officers for routine law enforcement. Critics have questioned the use of public resources for official protocol when police departments face demands for improved public safety and crime prevention.

The issue of private security escorts has also attracted attention in Punjab. In recent years, concerns have emerged over armed private guards, unauthorised patrols and the use of security convoys to demonstrate influence. Authorities have also taken action against private security companies found violating regulations.

The provincial government previously announced measures against private security firms using uniforms and vehicles resembling those of the police. The action followed a violent road dispute in Lahore involving armed guards escorting foreign visitors.