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Lahore: The Punjab Home Department has rolled out a bold new initiative to monitor habitual offenders and individuals listed under the Fourth Schedule through electronic tracking devices. This marks a significant shift in the province’s strategy to combat crime and bolster public safety using cutting-edge surveillance tools.
The initiative was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Interior Fazal-ur-Rehman, Additional IG Crime Control Department Sohail Zafar Chattha, DIG Operations Punjab Waqas Nazir, Additional Secretary Police Dr. Zeeshan Hanif, and officials from the law and finance departments.
According to an official statement, “To monitor criminals and maintain law and order, the Punjab Home Department took a historic decision, mandating habitual criminals and individuals on the Fourth Schedule to wear tracking devices.”
The department announced that the tracking devices will initially be distributed among three major departments: 500 devices to the recently formed Crime Control Department, 900 to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and 100 to the Parole Department.
“The Punjab Home Department is initially distributing 1,500 tracking devices to law enforcement agencies, of which 500 tracking devices will be given to the recently formed Crime Control Department, 900 to the CTD, and 100 to the Parole Department,” the statement said.
The devices, which are GPS-enabled, will allow 24/7 surveillance of individuals wearing them. “The movement of those wearing tracking devices will be monitored 24/7,” the statement confirmed. These measures aim to ensure more effective supervision of individuals with a history of criminal activity, especially those considered threats to public safety or national security.
Individuals placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) are considered proscribed persons. Restrictions imposed on such individuals include a passport embargo, freezing of bank accounts, bans on financial support and credit, arms license embargoes, and employment clearance restrictions.
In preparation for the second phase of the initiative, Home Secretary Mengal has instructed officials to procure more advanced tracking technologies. “Mengal has directed relevant authorities to import tracking devices equipped with modern technology for the second phase,” the statement read.
Looking ahead, the department plans to adopt globally recognized methods for criminal surveillance. “Globally, accepted methods will be adopted to keep criminals under surveillance,” it added.
The department is also considering future integration of cutting-edge technology. “It should be noted that experts have recommended implanting micro-tracking chips in the bodies of criminals for uninterrupted surveillance,” the statement said.
