LAHORE — In a decisive move to restore order and reinforce the rule of law, the Punjab government has declared an uncompromising stance against "dala culture," hooliganism, and entrenched mafia networks across the province. On October 22, 2025, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over a third consecutive high-level security meeting, culminating in a suite of landmark measures aimed at strengthening state authority and tackling extremism head-on, according to official statements reviewed by Aaj Urdu and The News International.
The meeting, notable for both its urgency and breadth, brought together top provincial officials to address escalating concerns over public safety and the proliferation of illegal networks. "Punjab will not tolerate dala culture, thuggery, or mafia networks in any form," the government declared, signaling a new era of zero-tolerance enforcement. The crackdown, officials emphasized, is not a fleeting campaign but a sustained effort to reassert the writ of the state at every level of society.
One of the most significant decisions emerging from the meeting is the strict enforcement of the Loudspeaker Act across Punjab. Authorities are determined to rein in the misuse of loudspeakers, which has often been linked to incitement and the spread of extremist rhetoric. As reported by Aaj Urdu, the government will also establish whistleblower cells in every district, empowering citizens to report violations and ensuring that authorities can respond swiftly to emerging threats.
To facilitate public participation in these efforts, a special cell has been set up within the Punjab Police Helpline 15. This unit is tasked with taking immediate action against extremist organizations and illegal foreign residents. The public has been urged to report any information regarding extremist groups or illegal immigrants by calling the helpline, reinforcing the message that community vigilance is central to the province’s new security strategy.
The meeting did not stop at rhetoric. Concrete operational steps were outlined, including the acceleration of campaigns to eliminate illegal weapons from Punjab. The government reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out the sources of violence and insecurity, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stating that the vision of "The State at the Citizens’ Doorstep" will soon be realized through the deployment of mobile police station services in every neighborhood. This initiative aims to bring law enforcement closer to ordinary citizens, offering rapid response and a visible deterrent to criminal activity.
Crucially, the Punjab government was keen to clarify the scope and intent of its new operations. Combing operations and enforcement actions, officials stressed, are "strictly targeted against specific extremist mindsets—not against any religious sect or belief." This distinction is designed to allay fears among religious minorities and prevent the measures from being mischaracterized as sectarian in nature. The government has also imposed a strict ban on advertisements, posters, and placards promoting extremist groups, further choking off the means by which such organizations recruit and radicalize supporters.
District administrations have been mandated to submit daily reports on operations against illegal foreign residents. These reports must include details such as the number of illegal residents involved in local businesses, those deported, and those brought into the tax net. The government has issued a stern warning to citizens not to rent shops or houses to illegal residents, with violators facing prosecution under the Tenancy and Passport Acts. This policy, according to The News International, is designed to cut off the economic lifelines that sustain illegal residency and associated criminal activity.
The digital realm has not escaped the government’s attention. Individuals found spreading hate speech or inflammatory content on social media will face cases under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), with a zero-tolerance approach toward online hate campaigns. This move reflects a growing recognition that extremism does not only thrive in physical spaces but can be amplified and coordinated through digital platforms.
Moreover, terrorism laws will be applied to those organizing unlawful gatherings or forcing market closures—a direct response to recent disruptions that have paralyzed local economies and sown fear among business owners. By invoking anti-terrorism statutes, the government signals its intent to treat such acts not as mere civil disturbances but as serious threats to public order and security.
In an additional show of resolve, the meeting resolved to activate and strengthen peace committees across Punjab. These committees, comprising respected local figures, will be involved in ongoing operations, serving as both mediators and watchdogs to ensure that enforcement actions are fair, transparent, and effective.
While the law and order agenda dominated proceedings, the meeting also highlighted progress on the province’s social development front. Over 180,000 youths have been trained under the Hunarmand Programme within just a few months—a new provincial record, according to the latest government data. Of these, more than 75,000 skilled workers have already secured employment, and 450 transgender persons have been provided jobs, marking a significant step toward inclusion and economic empowerment for marginalized groups.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif used the occasion to congratulate Sanae Takaichi on becoming Japan’s first woman prime minister, extending her best wishes for success. While this gesture may seem tangential, it underscores the government’s broader commitment to progressive values and international engagement, even as it grapples with pressing domestic challenges.
As the government’s sweeping reforms take root, the public response has been a mix of cautious optimism and pragmatic concern. Many citizens, weary of unchecked crime and the shadow of extremist violence, have welcomed the promise of greater security and accountability. "This is what we’ve been waiting for—real action, not just words," said one Lahore shopkeeper, reflecting a sentiment echoed across social media platforms.
Yet, some civil rights advocates have urged vigilance to ensure that the new policies are implemented fairly and without excess. They point to the importance of safeguarding due process and preventing measures from morphing into blanket crackdowns that could ensnare innocent people. The government’s repeated assurances that its actions are targeted and non-sectarian will be put to the test as enforcement unfolds in the coming weeks.
For now, Punjab stands at a crossroads—poised between the promise of restored order and the perennial challenge of balancing security with civil liberties. The province’s leaders have set an ambitious course, but only time will tell if these measures will deliver the lasting peace and stability that citizens so desperately seek.
