Decision to Revamp Punjab Police’s Internal Accountability Branch (IAB) in Light of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Vision

 

Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem chaired an important meeting at the Central Police Office, in which measures regarding the revamping of Punjab Police’s Internal Accountability Branch (IAB), making it a central component of the campaign against departmental corruption, and further strengthening the accountability process were reviewed. Addressing the meeting, IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said that, in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, effective implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against departmental corruption is ongoing to ensure transparency, merit and accountability in Punjab Police. The Internal Accountability Branch will be further strengthened, activated and made autonomous. IG Punjab said that the Internal Accountability Branch will also seek assistance from information received from the Special Branch in the accountability process against corruption. DIG (IAB) will personally review on a daily basis the complaints received against Sub-Inspectors and officers of higher ranks.

 

He directed that Regional SPs of the Internal Accountability Branch will themselves conduct inquiries into corruption, corrupt practices and other irregularities involving Sub-Inspectors and officers of higher ranks. Such inquiries will not be sent to the concerned districts or regions. IG Punjab further said that all complaints against police disposed of on the basis of “Not Willing to Pursue” will be reopened, while formal inquiries into such complaints will also be conducted where necessary. He directed that complaints related to investigations will be marked at the level of SPs for further action and necessary measures, while the DIG (IAB) will closely monitor disciplinary proceedings resulting from inquiries conducted by the Internal Accountability Branch. IG Punjab said that such matters will be reviewed again at the Central Police Office level where necessary. To make the inquiry and accountability system more effective, the post of AIG Inquiries will be restored.

 

He further directed that all vacant posts of Regional SPs and DSPs in the Internal Accountability Branch be filled on a priority basis. Appropriate funds and additional budget will also be provided to make IAB financially autonomous. IG Punjab said that the autonomy of the Internal Accountability Branch will enable its officers to perform their responsibilities independently of field units. An effective accountability system will ensure the elimination of corruption and irregularities in the Police Department. The meeting expressed the resolve to further strengthen and make the Internal Accountability Branch more effective, ensuring transparency and accountability in Punjab Police and effective implementation of the zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Additional IG Punjab Imran Arshad, Additional IG Internal Accountability Branch Imran Mehmood, DIG Headquarters Dr. Muhammad Abid Khan, DIG IT Mansoor-ul-Haq Rana, AIG Inspection, AIG Complaint, AIG Admin & Security and other officers attended the meeting.

 

Handout No. 502)

Director Public Relations
Punjab Police

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