ISLAMABAD: Special Branch of the Islamabad police has requested the capital’s inspector general of police to take special measures aimed at maintaining discipline in the force, sources told Dawn.

In a letter to the police chief, the assistant inspector general (AIG) of Special Branch said lack of discipline among the officials was creating a bad image to the police.

Earlier too the issue was raised with the police chief and he issued directives but failed to bring any improvement in their attitude.

The AIG requested the police chief to address the issue as the situation was deteriorating, the sources said.

The AIG said the officers stationed at the police stations and Criminal Intelligence Agency (CIA) posted photographs on social media regarding arrest of suspects and recoveries. In the photographs they did not wear proper uniform, the letter added.

Some photographs were also sent to the police chief with the letter, the sources said, adding “the force lacks discipline”.

Besides, special measures should also be taken to maintain discipline in the department, it added.

In response, the office of the police chief issued an order addressed to all the deputy inspectors general of police, assistant inspectors general of police, SSPs and SPs, asking them to ensure that their subordinates wear a proper uniform, they said.

The order said: “It is requested that all officers and officials working under your control may be directed to comply with the instruction regarding wearing of uniform.”

Talking to Dawn, different police officers said that a large number of officers and their office staff did not wear a uniform after Friday’s prayers and on Saturdays and Sundays.

The officials of other wings and units like CIA only wear uniforms during raids and appearance in the courts for trial otherwise they are usually found in civvies, the officers said.

Similar is the case with other officials at the police stations. Except for the SHOs and those working at front desks, all officials only wear uniforms during raids, court appearances and when summoned by their senior officers.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2019