Construction of new police station begins

FAISALABAD:

Former minister Rana Sanaullah Khan on Monday laid the foundation stone for a police station in Samanabad.

CPO Sohail Tajik was also present.

Addressing the ceremony, Sanaullah said the police station would be constructed at a cost of Rs36.2 million. He said the government wanted to eliminate what was popularly known as ‘thana culture.’ He said a comprehensive criminal justice reforms were being introduced in this regard.

Sanaullah said several policy changes would be announced early in 2015. He said the government had allocated Rs93 billion for strengthening the Police Department. He said protection of people’s lives and properties was a priority of the government.

Sanaullah directed the Buildings Department officials to complete the construction in eight months. Later, talking to newsmen, Sanaullah said criticising the government was a right of the opposition.

He said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) would not be stopped from holding a public meeting in the capital.

“However, the government will not allow anyone to break the law,” he said.

Responding to a question, he said if the PTI chief had proof of rigging in 2013 general elections, he should approach the appropriate court.

Earlier, while addressing the ceremony, Tajak had said a new police station had become necessary to cope with rising crime in the city.

He said 15 services would be provided to citizens at the station.

He said the Safe City Project was also being launched for which vehicles had been purchased for better patrolling. He thanked Sanaullah for help in arranging funds for the construction of the police station.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2014.