An Assistant Sub-Inspector got suspended for failing to take action on a citizens' complaint in an open court held by the Rawalpindi CPO. Khalid Hamdani held an open court (Khuli Kachehri) in the New Town Circle, where he suspended ASI Shehzad Ahmed of New Town Police Station for failing to take action on a citizen's complaint and visiting the offices again and again.
During the open hearing, which was held for the citizens of the New Town and Sadiqabad police stations' jurisdictions, the CPO Khalid Hamdani listened to various complaints and issued a number of orders to be implemented by the police. Most notably, he ordered departmental action against ASI Shehzad Ahmed of New Town Police Station.
Among other things, he addressed the problem of rising crime by stating that multiple criminal gangs have been traced, but street crime remains a challenge that they will soon overcome. He emphasised that drug dealers are also on the police radar and vowed that the police would not rest until the drug menace is eradicated.
The use of microphones and speakers was restricted during the hearing. Only CPO Rawalpindi, the officers on stage, and the complainants presenting their cases could hear each other. This unusual arrangement surprised the attendees. The open court had been organised at a marriage hall and hence posed many issues for attendees trying to get their complaints heard.
Only those sitting near the CPO on stage could present their complaints, while others could not hear what was being discussed. Some participants remarked that an open court should be fully accessible to everyone so that all complaints and their resolutions could be heard openly. They suggested that if privacy was a concern for certain individuals, the microphones and speakers could have been turned off for specific cases instead of completely restricting them.
Many citizens including women and families showed up to the open court. Senior police officials, including SP Headquarters Sardar Babar Mumtaz, SP Rawal, DSP New Town Abid Khan, SHOs of both stations and other relevant police officers were present at the hearing.
At the beginning of the session, CPO Hamdani addressed the attendees, highlighting the significant efforts made to curb crimes such as robberies and vehicle theft in Rawalpindi. However, he acknowledged that more work is needed to tackle street crime.
He mentioned that New Town and Sadiqabad police stations are located in the city's core, and he had appointed SHOs based on merit to serve the public effectively. He also pointed out the police's efforts against drug trafficking in areas like Shakrial, Pandora and Double Road, emphasising that the fight against drugs will continue until complete eradication.
He also noted the improvements which have been made to police stations, particularly through the establishment of front desks, but stressed the need for further enhancements. He assured that the highest resources had been allocated to New Town and Sadiqabad police stations, leaving no room for any shortcomings.
During the open court, CPO Rawalpindi personally listened to individual complaints and directed relevant officers to take immediate action. A significant number of women presented their issues as well.
Upon a citizen's complaint about inaction on their application, CPO Hamdani immediately suspended ASI Shehzad of New Town Police Station and ordered departmental proceedings against him.
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