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**Punjab Mandates Electronic Monitoring for Habitual Criminals and Fourth Schedule Individuals**
The Punjab Home Department announced on Thursday that habitual offenders and individuals listed in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) will be required to wear electronic tracking devices for round-the-clock surveillance.
Under the ATA, inclusion in the Fourth Schedule designates an individual as a proscribed person, subjecting them to strict restrictions such as passport bans, frozen bank accounts, prohibitions on financial aid, arms license revocations, and employment restrictions.
### **High-Level Meeting Approves Surveillance Measures**
The decision was finalized during a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal. Attendees included Special Home Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Additional IG of the Crime Control Department Sohail Zafar Chatha, Deputy IG Operations Waqas Nazir, Additional Secretary Police Dr. Zeeshan Hanif, and other key officials from law enforcement and treasury departments.
A statement from the Punjab Home Department described the move as a "historic decision" aimed at strengthening law and order by closely monitoring high-risk individuals.
### **Distribution of Tracking Devices**
The department revealed that 1,500 tracking devices will be distributed among law enforcement agencies in the initial phase:
- **500 devices** to the newly established Crime Control Department
- **900 devices** to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
- **100 devices** to the Parole Department
Authorities will monitor the movements of tagged individuals 24/7 to prevent criminal activity.
### **Plans for Advanced Surveillance Technology**
Home Secretary Mengal has instructed officials to procure advanced tracking devices for future phases. The statement emphasized that internationally recognized surveillance methods will be implemented to ensure effective monitoring.
Notably, experts have suggested implanting micro-tracking chips in criminals for uninterrupted surveillance, though no official decision has been made yet.
### **Previous Tech-Driven Policing Initiatives**
This move follows Punjab Police's July 2023 introduction of an AI-powered **facial recognition system** designed to improve suspect identification and criminal tracking. The latest electronic monitoring initiative further underscores the province's commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced security.
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