Lahore: Punjab has finalized the creation of a Crime Control Department (CCD) to combat organized crime across the province, building on an earlier announcement by the Punjab Police. The decision was confirmed in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, where the establishment of the Punjab CCD was officially approved.
The CCD replaces the Organized Crime Unit (OCU), which was set up two years ago after restructuring the Anti-Organized Crime Unit (CIA). The OCU faced repeated complaints of corruption and abuse of power, especially in drug-related crimes involving drones near Lahore’s border areas. Due to these issues, the OCU, previously managed at district and city levels, is being disbanded. The new CCD will operate at the provincial level and report directly to senior authorities.
The meeting decided that the CCD will focus on reducing seven key organized crimes, such as robbery, banditry, rape, murder, theft, and activities by land mafia groups. This is a shift from the earlier plan, which listed 17 major crimes as the department’s focus. The CCD will use modern technology, including drone surveillance, to tackle these issues. In case of a crime, drones will reach the scene within five minutes.
The department will be led by an Additional Inspector General and consist of 4,258 officers and personnel, slightly more than the 4,250 announced earlier. Its structure includes three Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in each district. Earlier plans specified 10 SSPs, 13 SPs, and 47 DSPs, along with teams of Assistant Sub-Inspectors, head constables, and constables.
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For now, 2,258 officers and personnel will be transferred from the Punjab Police to start operations. This aligns with the previous plan to use existing police staff until new positions are created. The CCD’s deployment will cover all of Punjab, with 900 officers in Lahore, 1,000 in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Gujranwala, 1,500 in ‘A’ category districts, and 850 in ‘B’ category districts.
The CCD will also manage crime and criminal data across Punjab and take action against organized land mafia groups. Maryam Nawaz approved buildings, vehicles, and modern equipment, including computers and weapons, as promised earlier by the Inspector General’s Office. She also ordered immediate legislation to support the department.
