RAWALPINIDI: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the deployment of police cycle squads in markets across the province to ensure the safety of women shopping for Eid-ul-Fitr 2025.
During Ramadan, a detailed security plan has been put in place for markets. Women motorcycle squads and mounted police are patrolling the areas.
Bike squads made up of lady police constables have been formed, and extra personnel have been stationed in markets.
ASP Renala, Syed Daniyal Hassan, said that protecting women and vulnerable groups in society is a top priority for Okara police, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision, “Never Again: Protection of Women and Vulnerable in Society.”
He explained that Punjab Police has prepared 30 motorcycle and bicycle squads with 50 lady constables across the three tehsils of Okara district to support this vision.
He added that before and during Eid, markets get crowded with women shoppers, which criminals take advantage of to commit crimes like snatching and harassment. ASP Hassan said Okara police has taken this step to protect women and vulnerable people from such crimes.
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He mentioned that the existing motorcycle squads of Okara police have been assigned to markets. Lady constables are also patrolling on foot and in vehicles, while plainclothes female officers are on duty too.
He said Okara police is committed to ensuring women can enjoy their Eid holidays and celebrations safely and peacefully.
DPO Sargodha, Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf, said the ladies’ squad will play an important role in preventing street crimes, snatching, harassment, and other offenses.
He added that the ladies’ squad will ensure effective surveillance around markets, banks, and public places.
Women shopping in Bhakkar markets welcomed the Chief Minister’s initiative and thanked her for it. These women said that despite the crowds in the markets, they feel safe and at ease because of the good security arrangements.
