IG Punjab Abdul Kareem Visits Lahore Press Club, Participates in “Meet the Press” Programme
The role of crime reporters is extremely important in combating crime, social reform and ensuring accountability, IG Punjab
Modern technology, body cameras and a transparent system of self-accountability are being given special focus to improve policing, IG Punjab
Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem, accompanied by DIG Operations Lahore, DIG Investigation Lahore and AIG Administration & Security, visited the Lahore Press Club. President Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari, Secretary General Afzal Talib and other office-bearers welcomed the IG Punjab. IG Punjab participated in the “Meet the Press” programme organized by the Lahore Press Club and interacted with crime reporters. Appreciating the role of crime reporters in combating crime, social reform and accountability, he said that crime reporters play an important role in identifying issues, providing guidance and offering consultation in the fight against crime. He said that crime reporters are the eyes, ears and helping hands of the Punjab Police in ensuring justice for citizens. Cooperation between crime reporters and the police promotes improvement, reform and balance in the policing system.
Abdul Kareem said that the police station is the basic mechanism for service delivery across approximately 800 police stations in Punjab. Under the vision and directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, improvements and positive changes are being introduced in policing. Automated systems, Safe Cities cameras, Virtual Women Police Station, Virtual Centre for Child Safety, body cameras and panic buttons are part of these reforms. IG Punjab said that the primary objective of the police is to provide justice to citizens, and effective measures are being taken to provide relief to the public at police stations. The scope of the Crime Control Department (CCD) is limited; however, heinous crimes have declined significantly due to its commendable measures. Cases falling within the jurisdiction of the CCD are being referred to it.
He said that departmental proceedings have been initiated against corruption and misconduct from the rank of constable to senior-level officers in the police. A transparent system of self-accountability is in place in all branches of the Punjab Police, including the CCD. No leniency will be shown in complaints regarding corruption, misconduct or misuse of authority. IG Punjab said that property-related crimes in Punjab have almost been eliminated, while the traffic system has also improved. In approximately 80 percent of cases involving crimes against children and women, relatives or people known to the victims are involved. On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, immediate action is being taken against sexual crimes involving children and women. He said that the Elite Orientation Course is conducted up to the ASP level, while a board for promotion from Sub-Inspector to Inspector will be convened soon.
IG Punjab said that the Chief Minister Punjab has provided Rs. 12 billion for body cameras. A consignment of 1,000 body cameras has already been received, while around 500 more body cameras are expected to arrive today, with additional consignments also arriving soon. From now onwards, every police officer deployed at police checkpoints will be required to wear a body camera, which will help eliminate complaints of corruption. Abdul Kareem said that peace has been restored in the Katcha areas due to effective police action and government measures. An act against illegal weapons is also being introduced, and its summary is under process. On the occasion, President Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari presented a shield to IG Punjab Abdul Kareem. IG Punjab also presented souvenirs on behalf of the Punjab Police to the President Lahore Press Club and other office-bearers.
Handout No. 491)
Director Public Relations
Punjab Police
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