PESHAWAR: In a first, three police stations of the provincial capital have registered first information reports on the orders of the district police complaints office.

The DPCO was recently established on the orders of the Police Reforms Commission and Supreme Court with the aim of addressing the people’s complaints.

Headed by a superintendent of police and based at the Malik Saad Shaheed police lines, the office has the authority to get FIRs registered at police stations.

A statement issued here said complainants Mohabat Ali Khan, Kifayat Ali Khan and Aftab Ahmad approached the complaints office with the complaint of the non-registration of FIRs at Inqilab, Badhabar and Gulberg police stations, respectively.

It added that the DPCO called records from the relevant police stations, heard both complainants and police officials, and directed the latter to register FIRs.

Capital city police officer Qazi Jamilur Rehman told Dawn that prior to the introduction of the complaints office, in case of non-registration of FIRs, complainants used to approach justice of peace.

He said the complaints committee was more feasible and quick alternate, wherein police itself was addressing the people’s complaints regarding the non-registration of FIRs.

The CCPO said the complaints office was being made more effective and efficient, so that FIRs may be lodged as soon as possible upon receipt of applications and complaints by the public, in accordance with law.

“The people are encouraged to submit their complaints to the district police officer against police officers or any other person so that they may be provided legal protection,” he said. Mr Jamil said the purpose of establishing that office was to address the people’s complaints without delay.

He said modern communication facilities had been provided to the newly-established complaint cell office through which the people’s complaints were being addressed.

The CCPO said the people could submit their complaints against police officers or any other person directly, upon which, necessary legal action will be taken and FIR be lodged against him.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2019