Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that police had been purged of political interference and all postings were being made on merit and performance only. Presiding over a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat on Monday that reviewed the law and order in Lahore, Shahbaz said after the provision of facilities and elimination of Sifarish culture, it was the responsibility of police to give results and fulfill its responsibilities by maintaining law and order and protecting the life and property of the masses.
He warned that those officers showing negligence in curbing crime and protecting life and property of the people would not be tolerated in the police force.
The chief minister directed the formation of a high-level committee that would evolve short and medium-term strategy for improving the performance of police and submit its recommendations within two days. Shahbaz said despite limited financial resources, salaries of the police department were enhanced and necessary facilities were provided so that they could perform their duty properly, ensure maintenance of law and order and root out crimes. He said the inspector general of police and capital city police officer were considered the best officers and complete free hand was given to the CCPO regarding posting of divisional SPs in Lahore. Similarly, all postings and transfers were also being made purely on merit.
He said the Lahore police was a model for the police of the entire province. The CM said improving law and order and creating sense of protection among the masses was the prime responsibility of the police and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. He said all possible resources would be provided to the Lahore police for curbing crime and maintaining law and order, but results would be expected too.
He directed only those divisional SPs should be posted in Lahore who, besides being honest, also had the spirit of public service and professional capabilities. Shahbaz directed for the constitution of a special committee comprising elected representatives and officers that would submit its recommendations regarding change in Thana culture, posting of hardworking and efficient officers, constitution of rapid response force, configuration of Lahore police, effective system of punishment and reward and keeping in view all other matters and the same model of Lahore police would be replicated in all districts of the province.
