CM inaugurates Sindh's first police facilitation centre in Hyderabad

Centres being established in divisional headquarters in first phase

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah has said the time has come for the police to replace the army and paramilitary forces to maintain law and order in Sindh.

"The law and order situation has improved in the province and the time has come for the police to take control," the CM said while talking to the media and speaking at the inauguration of a police facilitation centre on Autobahn Road in Hyderabad on Friday.

He said maintaining peace in the cities is a burden on the army and Rangers. "The police will take over in a phased way. The military and Rangers already have many other responsibilities to deal with."

Shah said that a decision in this regard was made during the last apex committee meeting after thorough deliberations. He added that to materialise the replacement, the strength of the police force will also be increased.

Talking about holding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final match in Karachi, the CM said all preparations, including security arrangements, have been completed. He gave credit to the people of Pakistan for the resumption of international cricket in the country.



Shah expressed his desire that PSL matches also be organised at the Niaz Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.

The CM said facilitation centres are being opened in the province and in the first phase, the centres are being established in the divisional headquarters. In the second phase, centres will be set up in all the districts of Sindh.

The centre in Hyderabad, which is the first in the province, will offer a range of services to the citizens. It consists of nine counters manned by around two dozen staff, including female police officers. "With the help of these centres, the trust of the people in the police will increase," he hoped.

Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal said the confidence of the people in the police has been restored. He contended that the Pakistan Peoples Party's provincial government has succeeded in curbing the crime rate, which was much higher when the party came into power.

He said that the Sindh government has increased the quota of jobs for the families of martyred policemen. "We can't forsake their sacrifices."

Inspector-General Allah Dino Khowaja said that the purpose of establishing the centre is to project a softer image of the police force.



"The centre has been set up to serve citizens. People will begin to have friendly and helpful relations with the police through this centre."

He said that the people can lodge their complaints and queries online as well.

Provincial ministers, government officials and notable personalities also attended the event.