‘Half of FIRs registered on false information’

IGP decries hindrances with investigations, urges police to earn people’s love

LAHORE: Half of the complaints received by police’s 8787 Complaint Centre were either partially or completely false.

This was stated by Punjab Inspector General of Police Captain (Retd) Arif Nawaz Khan. He revealed that 58,000 complaints were received and 25% of them were fake and as many were partially fake. Talking to members of the force at the Police Lines in Bahawalpur, the IGP also placed a floral wreath at the memorial of martyrs of the police department.



“Registration of FIRs on false and baseless statements damages pure and merit-based investigation,” he said. He urged the masses to avoid lodging baseless cases against others.

He complained that the force did not get due respect despite the fact that 1,400 personnel of the Punjab police lost their lives in the war against terror.

“Why is the police force not winning the hearts of people when it is fighting against terrorists and providing security to the common man?” he asked. He further stated that locals had told him about the harsh attitudes of SHOs, moharrars and other police officials whenever they visited a station to lodge a complaint.

“It is an impression among the masses that police personnel behave in a rude manner with people,” he added.

The IGP continued that criminal elements constitute only 1% of society and the remaining 99 percent were positive individuals. “When the police respects and behaves politely, people will no longer be hesitant to love and respect the force,” he underlined.

He said police personnel would be equipped with bulletproof jackets and they desperately needed modern weapons when sent on raids, patrols or when combating antisocial elements,” he said. “Action will be taken against those in charges whom are negligent in their duties,” he assured.

He emphasised the need to boost the professional capability of the force and improve living conditions or standards at police lines and stations. “There shall be availability of water filters at police stations and provision of standard meal at police lines,” he revealed.



Khan pointed out that a cut was made in the risk allowance of the police force, but he had taken up the matter with the Punjab chief minister.

“I am thankful to the Punjab chief minister who restored the risk allowance on my request,” he said. He added personnel would receive risk allowance, along with arrears, in the salary which will come in on October 1.

Referring to families of martyrs of police department, he said they will not be left alone and authorities would continue their efforts to resolve their financial issues and lend further assistance.

He said 67 personnel from the Bahawalpur range lost their lives in the war against terror and this showed their commitment towards duty. “I have asked RPOs and DPOs to fill vacant posts with those police personnel who have completed their professional training courses or are awaiting for promotion” he said.

Khan urged senior police officials to launch firing/shooting practice for police personnel. He said he would give special priority to welfare of the police force. The IGP continued that Bahawalpur police would soon receive an olive colour uniform. “Personnel should submit their feedback to me after wearing it,” the IGP Punjab, who himself was dressed in olive, said.



He said that police department would have to avail technology in investigation instead of continuing with the old manual ways. He appealed to the masses to extend their cooperation to the force.

Earlier, delivering his welcome speech, Bahawalpur Range Deputy Inspector General Police Raja Riffat Mukhtar paid rich tributes to the IGP Punjab for ensuring the restoration of the risk allowance.

He said the police chief had been paying special attention to resolving the financial problems of the police force. He added Bahawalpur police would complete the vision of Khan by using all available resources.

Later, the IGP distributed certificates and prizes among police officials. DPO Bahawalpur Dr Muhammad Akhtar Abbas, DPO Bahawalnagr Captain (retd) Malik Liaquat Ali, DPO Rahimyar Khan Zeeshan Asghar and Directorate of Public Relations Regional Director Rana Ajaz Mahmood were also present.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2017.