The Crime Control Department (CCD) of Punjab has said that a comparative review of crime data for the post-May period of 2024 and 2025 shows a reduction in reported crime across the province, particularly Lahore.

According to the department, it began operations in May last year and recently held a meeting to review its performance. It stated that Lahore recorded a decline in major crime categories during the period under review.

The CCD said murder cases in Lahore fell from 361 to 220, a decrease of 39 percent, while attempted murder declined from 812 to 504, down 38 percent. Dacoity dropped from 35 to 15, and house dacoity from 33 to 6. 

Robbery cases decreased from 8,213 to 1,823, recording a 78 percent reduction. Theft within boundary walls fell by nine percent and burglary by 44 percent, while motorcycle and car snatching decreased by 69 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Across Punjab, murders declined from 3,952 to 3,022, down 24 per cent, while attempted murder fell by 18 per cent. Dacoity and robbery dropped by 60 percent and 53 percent. Theft within boundary walls decreased by 17 percent and burglary by 27 percent.

The department said that 19 police officials were martyred during operations across the province, while 167 personnel, including 13 CCD members, sustained firearm-related or other injuries.

Meanwhile, the CCD rejected allegations contained in a fact-finding report issued by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) regarding police encounters in Punjab.

The rights body, in its report, called for a judicial inquiry into encounter-related deaths and said at least 670 encounters were conducted over eight months in 2025, resulting in 924 suspects killed, while two police officials lost their lives.

In a press release, the CCD said it does not pursue a policy of staged encounters and operates in accordance with the Constitution, the Police Order 2002 and criminal procedure laws. It said arrest remains the primary objective of its operations and that use of force is governed by legality, necessity and proportionality.

The department said lethal force is used only in situations involving armed resistance or imminent threat to life. It added that law enforcement personnel often face armed groups and act in self-defence to protect themselves and civilians.

Responding to concerns about misconduct, the CCD said any abuse of authority by individual officers is unacceptable. It stated that officials found involved in corruption, abuse of power or professional misconduct are proceeded against under departmental and criminal laws.

The department reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against torture, corruption, fabrication of evidence, intimidation of citizens and unlawful use of force.