TV84 Fact Check’s report highlighted a 46% increase in registered crimes in Punjab for 2023, contradicting Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s claims of a 30% reduction. Despite disputing the report, the Punjab police have yet to provide supporting data. Naqvi, who served as caretaker chief minister from January 2023 to February 2024, claimed a significant drop in crime rates. However, data from official police records and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan showed a surge in heinous crimes such as rape, murder, and acid attacks.
In a press release, the police attributed the spike to a 2023 policy allowing the registration of previously unrecorded crimes. Yet, they ignored categories beyond “crime against properties.” Despite multiple follow-up requests, the police provided inadequate data, failing to justify their stance. Geo Fact Check stands by its findings, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in crime reporting.
