PUNJAB Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday ordered comprehensive police reforms, demanding an end to corruption, high-handed behaviour and the disrespectful treatment of citizens. She also asked the Inspector-General of Punjab Police to prepare short, medium and long-term reform plans with clear timelines.
Police reforms were promised and announced by successive governments but the professional conduct and credibility of the force has not shown any worthwhile improvement mainly because the attitude remains the same. The instructions of the Chief Minister are motivated by her desire to bring about this much needed change. The instructions issued by the CM to address citizens respectfully as “Sir” or “Sahib”, maintain professional conduct in all interactions with the public and that there should be no more grabbing someone by neck and throwing to the ground explain the present state of affairs and a desire to ensure dignity of ordinary citizens is respected. Mindful of the fact that the intended change would not happen merely through issuance of directions, the CM rightly ordered immediate refresher training for front-line officers dealing directly with the public and called for the introduction of community policing, citing Japan’s successful model of involving college and university students. The requirement of wearing body cams, if implemented in letter and spirit, will help improve transparency and address complaints about palm-greasing. As for reforms, these should be concrete and comprehensive so that they could transform the 0.7 million strong police force of Punjab into a formidable institution capable of delivering as per expectations of the people.
