Digital open court draws 10,000 participants

More than 10,000 people from Pakistan and abroad participated in the first Facebook open court organised by Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, as the police took its traditional public grievance mechanism to a digital platform.

The 45-minute online session provided citizens with an opportunity to directly raise complaints, report police-related issues and share suggestions with the DIG Operations.

According to a police spokesperson, Faisal Kamran personally contacted several citizens who approached him through Facebook messages and heard their complaints.

Issues relating to Lahore were recorded and concerned officers were directed to resolve them on a priority basis and provide feedback to the complainants.

The DIG said the initiative was aimed at bringing policing closer to citizens, ensuring timely redressal of complaints and incorporating public feedback into police operations.

"Your opinion is important to us. Action will be taken when you identify an issue," Faisal Kamran said, adding that an effective follow-up mechanism was being developed to monitor complaints until their resolution.

He urged citizens to act as the "eyes and ears" of the police and help identify social and societal problems.

The DIG particularly appealed to citizens to immediately inform police about dangerous activities, including kite flying, aerial firing and one-wheeling.

He also sought public cooperation in combating drug abuse, assuring that the identities of informants would be kept confidential.

Faisal Kamran said action against illegal activities allegedly operating under the guise of massage centres would also be taken.

"Along with crime, addressing social evils and societal problems is also the responsibility of the police, and public cooperation is indispensable," he said.

The DIG also cautioned citizens against fraudulent housing schemes and advised them to verify the approval status of housing societies with the Lahore Development Authority before purchasing property.

He urged citizens to conduct property transactions only through written agreements, saying that taking basic precautions could protect them from significant financial losses and fraud.

The police spokesperson said citizens welcomed the initiative, particularly the direct access to the DIG and prompt follow-up on complaints.

He described the response as an indication of growing public confidence in the police.

The spokesperson added that the DIG Operations' office would remain open to the public six days a week, while an online open court would be held every Sunday.