January 18, 2007	Thursday	Zilhaj 27, 1427

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LAHORE, Jan 17: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has said the police have failed to come up to the expectations of the government as well as the masses as regards efficiency despite being provided with all possible facilities during the past four years.

Sounding final warning to the police while presiding over a high-level meeting here on Wednesday, the chief minister directed them to utilise all their capabilities to control crime and exhibit a sense of responsibility for improving the law and order situation to a satisfactory level.

Stern action would be taken against the officials for dereliction of duty. And the SHOs guilty of poor performance would be removed from service instead of transfers and their high-ups would have to account for their failures, he said.

The chief minister said substantial increase had been made in the police department budget in the hope that the force would improve its performance, but it had failed to deliver. He said he believed that the police could root out crime from society with commitment and determination. The people had a complete faith in administrative and professional capabilities of senior police officers, he said.

He said much improvement could, however, be made if proper attention was paid to the maintenance of law and order. Stern action should be taken against the elements providing shelter to absconders, proclaimed offenders and hardened criminals.

He directed the police officers to develop an effective system of monitoring at every level. The SHOs should be aware of all activities in their areas and the DPOs must have a clear perception of law and order situation in their districts. He asked as to why the SHOs did not keep a watchful eye on absconders and hardened criminals operating in areas of their jurisdiction.

He directed the officers to inspect the police stations regularly and submit reports to their higher-ups. The DPOs should also hold open public meetings to have first-hand knowledge of the crime situation. He said it had come to his notice that criminals were operating in some areas by installing blue police lights on their vehicles. The DPOs should take action against such people without fear or favour.

The chief minister constituted a seven-member committee for removing shortcomings in the investigations system. Headed by Provincial law minister Basharat Raja, the committee comprises chief secretary Salman Siddique, IGP Ahmad Nasim, home secretary Khusro Pervez, prosecution secretary Shaigan Sharif, Director General Police Reforms Unit Javed Noor and DIG (operations) Aftab Cheema. It will submit its recommendations within 10 days.