LAHORE: The Punjab police chief had to finally intervene to raise the morale of his force that was under a cloud since the Model Town episode, asking them to carry out their duties whole-heartedly and accept upcoming challenges.

The IG’s maiden meeting with the Lahore police took place at a time when district administration and police are devising their strategy to ‘tactfully’ handle the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri who is scheduled to land at Islamabad from Canada on Monday (today) and reach Lahore to lead an anti-government rally from Faisal Chowk to Data Ganj Baksh shrine on June 24.

IG Mushtaq Sokhera addressed all SPs, SDPOs and SHOs of the city at Qilla Gujjar Singh Police Lines for a few minutes and tried to boost up their declining morale.

“Don’t be afraid of any departmental action and its consequences as police itself are holding inquiry and investigation into Model Town operation. I will stand by you in each and every crisis. We have another big challenge ahead and be ready for it,” an insider quoted the IG as having told his subordinates.

He said the IG strictly ordered field officials not to open fire on their own in any law and order situation and only follow their commander’s direction. He said if as a last resort the police had to open fire, they should go for aerial firing with 12-bore gun.

According to another insider, Mr Sokhera categorically said the officials who were not involved in any illegal act during police clash with the Pakistan Awami Tehreek activists did not need to be afraid of any departmental action. “Police would only obey legal orders of the government”, the IG was quoted as having said.

The source said the IG’s emphasis was on overcoming weaknesses in the force, especially by improving the training and drill standards of anti-riot reserved police.

The IG also told his subordinates that according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), straight fire was not allowed during any law and order situation and police were to act according to the guidelines given by their commander in-charges.

Meanwhile, a handout issued by the IG’s spokesperson said, Mr Sokhera reviewed crime and law and order situation of the metropolis in a high-level meeting.

He stressed upon the officers to focus on their top priorities of crime control, public protection and provision of justice to complainants.

The provincial police chief also directed the officers to work round-the-clock so that their uniform could become a symbol of peace and security instead of terror. “Policemen would always find me beside them in the line of duty”, the IG added.

During the meeting, crime figures of Lahore were also reviewed.

Meanwhile, Lahore division commissioner, district coordination officer, the acting capital city police officer and the SSP (operations) held a meeting at the capital city police office to discuss strategy on the arrival of Mr Qadri and gathering of his followers.

Acting CCPO Zulfiqar Hameed said the security situation was discussed in the meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2014