PM meets retired police officials to discuss reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday met retired police officials, including former IGs Nasir Durrani, Shoaib Suddle and Sarmad Saeed, to discuss reforms in the police force.

It was discussed in the meeting that different departments of the police force would function under the direct supervision of police stations. There will be three shifts with an SHO heading each shift. The SHOs would also have a supervisory role over the Special Protection Unit (SPU) and the Dolphin Force, thus transforming the structure of the police force.

The appointment of police officials was also discussed in the meeting and it was recommended that ASPs should not be recruited through competitive exams. They also recommended that every new recruit should begin service from the rank of constable, thus closing the lateral entry route in the service.

Nasir Durrani was of the opinion that police officers inducted through lateral entry do not understand the police command and control structure and are often involved in corruption, thus bringing the force into disrepute.

Salary structure and other facilities were also discussed in the meeting.