RAWALPINDI, Oct 4: The setting up of District Public Safety Commission (DPSC) was delayed because of hurdles created by the police department.

This was said by Chairman District Public Safety Commission (DPSC) Rawalpindi Dr Mohammad Aslam at his first press conference in his office on Saturday.

He said the DPSC, which comprised eight members, had faced resistance from police and other departments at its early stages because the DPSC’s job was to keep a check on their working.

He said: “Senior police officers have to face inquiries and punishments if they were found guilty in any case.” While pledging to play his role in bridging the gap between the police and public, Dr Aslam said those who had complaints against police and whose problems were not being redressed should come to them for help.

He said public complaints against police would be sent to the district police officer (DPO), who would be bound to redress these within 48 hours, otherwise the Punjab chief minister would be requested to remove the DPO.

Dr Aslam said if the DPO faced any political pressure or any other problem then “he should come to us for help”.

He said eight complaints against the police had been received by the DPSC on its first day. He said: “Though we have enough power to handle the issues, it will take time to put the DPSC’s working on smooth track.”

He highlighted the role of the commission and described its working. The other members of the commission include Shaikh Faisal Ishaq, Abid Abbasi, Raja Mohammad Younus, Haji Abdul Aziz, Chaudhry Mohammad Ayub and Mrs Sarkar Abbasi.