LAHORE: The Punjab government is entering a critical phase of policing reform with the establishment of Special Sexual Offences Investigation Units (SSOIUs) across all 36 districts, following the enactment of Police Order (Amendment) Act 2025, which mandates their creation within the newly formed Crime Control Department (CCD). The units, cleared by the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Business (CCLB), will become operational once the full provincial cabinet grants its approval.
The amendment, passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 21 and assented to by the Governor on May 29, introduces a sweeping restructuring of the province’s policing system. Through the insertion of Article 18C, the Act establishes the CCD as a specialised department responsible for registering and investigating a newly added Fourth Schedule of serious and organised crimes. These include rape, sodomy, dacoity with rape, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, murder, narcotics, armed offences, motor vehicle snatching, land grabbing, and crimes committed through modern digital means.
Under the revised law, the CCD is to be headed by an Additional Inspector General of Police and supported by Deputy Inspectors General, Senior Superintendents, Superintendents and Assistant/Deputy Superintendents of Police as notified by the government. The department will have fully structured headquarters, regional and district offices, sub-divisions and its own police stations in every district.
