Tracking Devices
The Punjab Home Department took a significant step on Thursday to improve monitoring of habitual criminals and individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule by announcing the mandatory use of tracking devices.
This decision aims to enhance surveillance and ensure the safety of the public by providing round-the-clock monitoring for these individuals.
Being included in the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) signifies that a person is designated as a proscribed individual. Such individuals face a series of restrictions, including a passport embargo, freezing of bank accounts, a ban on financial transactions, restrictions on obtaining arms licenses, and limitations on employment clearance. These measures are designed to curb any potential threat posed by these individuals.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, which was attended by key officials including Special Home Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Additional IG of the Crime Control Department Sohail Zafar Chatha, Deputy IG Operations Punjab Waqas Nazir, Additional Secretary Police Dr. Zeeshan Hanif, and other officers from the law enforcement and treasury departments.
The Punjab Home Department stated that this initiative is part of an effort to maintain law and order and ensure that criminal activities are closely monitored.
As part of the initiative, tracking devices will be distributed to various law enforcement agencies, including the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the Crime Control Department, and the Parole Department.
In the first phase, 1,500 tracking devices will be provided, with 500 going to the Crime Control Department, 900 to the CTD, and 100 to the Parole Department.
The movement of individuals wearing these devices will be monitored 24/7, which will enable authorities to track their whereabouts at all times.
The Home Secretary has directed the procurement of advanced tracking devices in the second phase, which will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to further enhance the effectiveness of the surveillance system.
Moreover, experts have suggested the use of micro-tracking chips implanted in criminals for uninterrupted monitoring, and this option is being considered for future implementation.
In line with this technological approach, Punjab police also introduced an artificial intelligence-powered facial recognition system in July 2023 to assist in identifying and apprehending criminals more efficiently.
This latest initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to modernizing its law enforcement mechanisms and ensuring better control over criminal activities, particularly those linked to terrorism and organized crime. The continuous monitoring of these individuals will serve as a preventive measure, with the goal of improving public safety and reducing criminal acts.
