Punjab Launches Cyber Patrol Unit to Combat Misinformation

Punjab Highway Patrol has launched a new Cyber Patrol Unit dedicated to monitoring social media and online platforms, marking a significant expansion of the agency’s digital oversight capabilities across the province.

The unit, which became operational immediately following a notification issued by Additional Inspector General of Police Dr. Athar Waheed, represents the department’s response to growing digital communication challenges facing law enforcement agencies in Pakistan.

According to officials familiar with the initiative, the unit’s primary mission extends beyond simple monitoring. The team will identify issues related to the Punjab Highway Patrol, address public complaints submitted through online channels, and work to counter misinformation that could affect public perception of the department or its operations.

“The digital landscape has become an essential part of public safety operations,” said a senior PHP official who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the new unit. “We need dedicated resources to ensure we’re responsive to citizens using these platforms to voice concerns.”

The PHP, responsible for maintaining safety and security on Punjab’s extensive highway network, has faced increasing pressure to modernize its communication strategies. The province contains Pakistan’s most developed road infrastructure, including critical economic corridors connecting major urban centers and international borders.

Dr. Waheed’s directive emphasized that the unit must align with “modern requirements” – a recognition that digital monitoring capabilities have become standard practice for progressive law enforcement agencies worldwide. He specifically noted that effective digital engagement is essential for both improving service delivery and maintaining public trust.

The Cyber Patrol Unit will not operate in isolation. According to the notification, it will coordinate closely with other relevant departments to ensure timely reporting and responses to concerns raised by citizens online. This collaborative approach suggests the PHP is adopting a whole-of-government perspective on digital engagement.

Law enforcement experts point out that such units face significant challenges. They must balance monitoring activities with privacy concerns, operate within legal frameworks that sometimes lag behind technological developments, and maintain sufficient technical expertise to navigate rapidly evolving digital platforms.

“The establishment of dedicated cyber units within traditional policing structures represents a significant evolution in how law enforcement agencies approach public communication,” noted Dr. Saad Ahmed, a security analyst based in Lahore. “However, their effectiveness depends on having clear operational guidelines and appropriate oversight mechanisms.”

The PHP’s initiative comes amid growing digital connectivity in Pakistan, where internet penetration and social media usage have expanded dramatically in recent years. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the country now has over 100 million internet users, with particularly high adoption rates in Punjab province.

For citizens traveling Punjab’s highways, the new unit potentially offers a more responsive channel for reporting issues ranging from emergency situations to infrastructure concerns. The unit is expected to monitor major social platforms where citizens often share real-time information about road conditions, accidents, and security incidents.

While the notification didn’t specify staffing levels or technical resources allocated to the unit, similar initiatives in other departments typically employ specialists with backgrounds in digital forensics, social media analytics, and strategic communications.

The PHP has indicated that the Cyber Patrol Unit will remain operational indefinitely, suggesting a long-term commitment to enhancing the department’s digital capabilities rather than a temporary response to specific incidents or concerns.