LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar says that ever-increasing police torture cases are giving a bad name to the government, stressing that ‘Thana culture,’ created by the previous rulers for their political gains, must be changed.

He was chairing a meeting attended by the law minister, chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), secretary law and other officers concerned at Chief Minister’s Office on Monday.

Mr Buzdar said the government would no more tolerate torture against any suspect detained in police lock-ups. Stating that the previous governments used the police for its political gains, he said, the PTI government was committed to revamping ‘Thana culture’ and transforming the police force into a public-friendly entity.

Police should humbly treat the public visiting police stations, he said.

Says PTI govt committed to revamping ‘Thana culture’

“By overcoming and rectifying the present shortcomings, our government would bring about a public-friendly police system,” he said.

Mr Buzdar said the investigation process and lock-ups system in the police stations were being monitored through cameras and accountability system in the police force was being made effective.

SECURITY: The CM said the Punjab government had undertaken steps for the provision of security and facility to the mourners directed that every possible step be taken to ensure law and order on Ashura.

He said the Punjab government had undertaken steps for provision of security and facilities to the mourners and directed making four-tier security cordon for the Majalis and processions.

Mr Buzdar said the enemy was conspiring to create instability in the country and we all needed to foil its nefarious designs.

He also directed the cabinet committee on law and order to continue monitoring implementation on the security plan and that police force and staff concerned should remain on duty till the end of Majalis and processions.

LAW MINISTER: Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja visited the central monitoring cell set up for Muharram at the home department.

He directed all the possible measures be taken to ensure law and order in Punjab and that the duty staff should remain alert at all times during processions and congregations of Muharram.

He also directed all the commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional police officers (RPOs), district police officers (DPOs) and allied departments in the province to have full oversight of Muharram processions, gatherings and religious gatherings.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Syed Ali Murtaza and other officers accompanied the minister.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2019