LAHORE – Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Javed Iqbal, despite assuming charge of his duties, has not got a chance to sit in his office and address the general public’s problems, Pakistan Today learnt on Monday.
Well placed sources in Central Police Office (CPO) told Pakistan Today that IGP Javed Iqbal has assumed charge of his duties on Friday Jan 07. The day was marked with a ceremony called ‘guard of honour’ to welcome the new occupant of the coveted office. On Friday Jan 07, the IG Javed Iqbal chaired an introductory meeting of all Additional Inspectors General (AIG) including Punjab Addl IG Chaudhary Tanveer, AIGs of operations and investigations, AIG Welfare and Finance Aftab Sultan and DIG Headquarters Khan Baig. Sources said that though the IG has issued directions regarding the strategy of Punjab police under his chairmanship but like his predecessors he has not showed any interest towards general public. Yet after three days since he assumed charge of his duties, the new IG has not got any chance to sit in his office and address grievances of general public. Former IGP Tariq Saleem Dogar following the directions of the Punjab chief minister held many open courts but towards the end of his tenure, the trend was found decreasing and lesser public complaints were addressed by the former IG. Sources said that in spite of addressing to the complaints of general public, the new IG remained busy in taking direction from the Punjab chief minister. Sources said that after assuming charge, the IG went to see the CM and later, on Saturday Jan 08, the IG went to Islamabad from where he returned on Monday but not visited his office.
In his message to the force, the IG said that it is an honor for him to command the Punjab police and he indeed feels lucky to be chosen to lead the finest officers of the senior and junior ranks as well as civilian staff. He, in his message, said that the challenges for Punjab police had grown and so had the public expectations. He said that Punjab Police’s mission is to fight criminals and win the battle by providing dynamic and effective law enforcement.
He said that Punjab Police should strive to uphold core values like integrity, courage, loyalty and fairness in order to promote professionalism and trust. He directed the Punjab police to develop internal accountability against corruption and misuse of powers. He also directed to observe merit and fair play in recruitments, postings and promotions.
