Police officials concerned at impact of fuel austerity

All supervisory officers told to implement govt policy

LAHORE:

Punjab Police's key wings like investigations, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch, which are responsible for intelligence gathering, thwarting terrorist plots and nabbing hardcore criminals, have also been asked to use fuel in line with austerity measures announced by the government.

Field officers fear that the orders to curtail fuel consumption would affect police performance and morale.

"The officers expected us to patrol the roads round the clock and reach the crime scenes immediately to help citizens but the petroleum allotted for police vehicles would  last a few hours a day," an official commented.

Interestingly, Punjab Police had demanded a record Rs158 billion allocation in the next fiscal year's budget, of which 84% had been sought for salary and six per cent for fuel.

On behalf of IG Rao Sardar Ali Khan, the AIG finance has directed all supervisory officers of Punjab Police to implement the austerity policy. 

The officers posted in all police units, including investigation, CTD, Special Branch, Punjab Constabulary, Special Protection Unit, traffic, transport, PHP and headquarters have been asked to use fuel in line with the Central Police's instructions. Additional petrol for official purposes will be provided only after approval of the competent authority.

The austerity measures also include keeping the air conditioners in offices at 26 degrees and switching them off in absence of the officers.

The inspector general of police stated while disseminating the instructions that Punjab Police is at the forefront of ensuring implementation of the government's austerity policy. 

He said all the field officers, unit heads and other supervisory officers should ensure strict implementation of the policy and take all possible steps to reduce fuel and energy expenses. He said meetings should be held on video link except where necessary.

He said the use of power generators should be confined to only for necessary sections and heavy equipment should be disconnected from them.

The police have also been instructed to strictly monitor the unnecessary use of electricity and gas. In this regard, directives have been issued to ensure power supply from separate meters for offices and residences.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2022.