TAXILA: To get rid of the ‘thana culture’ and bridge the gap between the police and citizens, the police on Saturday began holding open courts in mosques.

The first open court was organised by Superintendent of Police (SP) Potohar division Javaid Anwar in a mosque in Wahdat Colony near the Taxila police station.

Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO) Javaid Hassan and station house officers of three police stations and in charge of five police posts and other officials were also present.

The SP said the open courts in mosques would provide an opportunity to the citizens to approach the police for redressal of their grievances.

He said such open courts were being arranged across the division to improve police-public liaison in order to wipe out crimes.

“The basic purpose of open courts is to help people in a real sense,” the SP added.

He said open courts would help bridge the gap between the police and the citizens besides promoting community policing.

Responding a question, the official said the reason behind holding the courts in mosques was to directly contact the citizens.

“We are presenting ourselves in the public courts for accountability so that the citizens who are not ready to visit police stations can meet the police officials and get their issues resolved.”

The SP listened to the complaints of the citizens and issued orders to resolve them. He also said any citizen can directly contact him in case of a complaint against the police.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2018