Public pulse: SSP holds open meeting at Sabzi Mandi mosque

Residents complain about presence of drug addicts, encroachments.

ISLAMABAD: In an attempt to address the trust deficit among residents and cops, the Islamabad Police held an open meeting in a mosque in Sabzi Mandi.

Operations SSP Asmatullah Junejo, who chaired the session, directed all police officials to take strict action against those involved in drug peddling, encroachment and launch an effective crackdown against street criminals in their respective areas.

The SSP issued these directions at Madni Masjid with the commitment to provide immediate justice to people after listening to their complaints.

In a meeting with locals, Junejo said the commonly held belief that people do not lie at holy places was the main idea behind holding these open meetings at mosques. Besides, the police will not be able to plant their touts who would praise their performance, he added.

In the meeting, residents complained about street crimes, encroachment and presence of drug addicts in the surroundings of Sabzi Mandi.

Following the complaints, Junejo ordered to resolve the problems on an immediate basis so public trust in the police increases and the culture of friendly policing can be ensured. He also directed the SDPO and SHO Sabzi Mandi to inform him about the progress on a daily basis.

He said the Islamabad Police had decided to launch a special campaign against suspects and will be carrying out a house-to-house search the area, requesting people to support the police in eradicating crime.

He asked people to cooperate with him so that their area could be made crime free. He also asked people to keep an eye on their surroundings and especially watch activities of their tenants.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2014.