ISLAMABAD, July 23: President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday re-promulgated the Police Order (Second Amendment) Ordinance 2005, which envisages the setting up of a district public safety and police complaints commission (DPSPCC) in every district, including Islamabad. An official source told Dawn that the decision to re-issue the ordinance was taken as the same was going to lapse on Monday (July 25).

Under the ordinance, the commission will be empowered to prevent police from engaging in any unlawful and malafide activities by writing to the provincial government for appropriate action against any collusive relationship between zila nazim and head of that district police, which it found detrimental to police interest.

If the incharge of the police station is found guilty of refusing unjustifiably to register the FIR (first information report), the commission can order the district police officer (DPO) to probe into the matter and register a report.

The commission can also direct the DPO in writing to enquire into a complaint of neglect in general or by a functionary of a district police to take appropriate action and submit a report within a specified period.

In case of a complaint of excess by any federal law enforcement agency or civil armed forces, the commission could ask for remedial action by the concerned department and demand a report within a specified period. If no action is taken by the concerned authority, a reference can be made by the commission to the head of the concerned organization.

The commission has the power to summon any person, to examine on oath in case of a complaint and compel him to produce documents, receive documents on affidavits and examine witnesses.

One-third members of the commission will be appointed by the government from amongst members of the National Assembly and the provincial assemblies of the district concerned as ex-officio including a woman member.

The chairperson of the commission would be elected by members for three years, while the commission will have an independent budget.

Under the ordinance, the commission would be empowered to approve an annual local policing plan of the DPO in coordination with the zila nazim.

An annual report would also be submitted by the commission to the government on the functioning of the district police during the year, on law and order in the district and on implementation of the district police plan.

It would also encourage police-public cooperation and evaluate the delivery of performance targets contained in the local policing plan on quarterly basis.