LAHORE: The Punjab inspector general of police has showed his displeasure over the incident of violence involving two political groups in Johar Town and ordered action against the police officials showing negligence.

Chairing a video-link meeting of regional and district police officers (RPOs, DPOs) here on Monday, IGP Rao Sardar Ali Khan said implementation of the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission for the by-elections in province should be ensured.

The IGP says the field officers should pay special attention to the districts where by-elections are being held and miscreants should be brought to the book.

He directed the officers to take indiscriminate action against those taking the law into their own hands and ensure that law and order should not be disturbed.

He also ordered a crackdown on elements involved in displaying and using arms, besides trade of illegal weapons. The IGP said the licences of arms dealers involved in illegal activities should be suspended.

Expressing concern over rising incidence of harassment, abuse and violence against children and women in the province, he ordered officers that no delay or negligence would be tolerated in action against perpetrators of such crimes.

Awareness campaigns to prevent crimes against children and women should be launched by field officers in educational institutions, seminaries, mosques and important public places, he said.

He also ordered foolproof security arrangements for foreigners, especially the Chinese nationals, in the province.

The IGP directed the Special Branch and Internal Accountability Bureau (IAB) to submit confidential reports on the performance of police officers and said that monitoring of all field and command officers should be continued.

Additional IGs of South Punjab, establishment, special branch, welfare, operations, training, investigation and other officers also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2022