LAHORE: Inspector General of Punjab Police Arif Nawaz Khan has directed the field police officers to step up combing and intelligence-based operations across the province ahead of Eidul Azha and Muharram.

Through an official notification, he directed the Lahore police, the regional police officers and district police officers to arrest those involved in extremist and criminal activities.

He issued these instructions af ter the additional IG operations submitted him a detailed report on combing and intelligence-based operations carried out by the RPOs and DPOs across the province from June 1 to July 22.

According to the report, as many as 3,301 search, sweep and combing operations have been conducted in all districts of the province and 4,777 raids carried out on hideouts of criminals. During the combing operations, says the report, 5,235 cases were registered and 5,263suspects/accused arrested.

The Punjab police recovered 275 kalashnikovs, 409 rines, 687 shotguns, 5,167 pistols and 43,633 bullets from those arrested.

The IGP directed the police officers to have licensed weapons used in criminal and illegal activities cancelled with close coordination of other institutions and there should be no delay in taking legal action against the owners of these licences.

He said the police officers found guilty of negligence would have to face departmental action.

He said the CCPO Lahore, the RPOs and DPOs should strictly ensure steps for the elimination of illegal arms` trade.

The combing operations should be conducted under the supervision of circle officers in slums, hotels and inns on a regular basis and the reports should be submitted to the Central Police Office regularly.

Mr Arif directed the of ficers to strictly ensure the implementation of SOPs described in the National Action Plan.