ISLAMABAD: In a rare move, the in-charge of a police station approached people and asked them to share their grievances and complaints with him.

During Friday congregation at Al-Rasheed Masjid in G-8 Markaz, the khateeb announced that the station house officer (SHO) of Karachi Company police station was in the mosque to meet residents and listen to their grievances and complaints.

After the conclusion of the congregation, SHO Ashfaq Memon met the people and asked them to share with him their complaints, including those lodged with the police but not attended so far.

The SHO sought their view on the crime situation in the area and details of any other unlawful activities so action could be taken. The SHO also shared his phone number with the local community and told them that they can call him anytime for assistance.

Mr Memon said he will be available at the police station to listen to public complaints and grievances for two hours in the evening, as he also had other official work, including court appearance and patrolling.

The SHO said he was committed to eliminate drug peddling and in this regard had arrested a number of suspects since his appointment in the police station two days ago.

He asked the citizens to become the police eye and ear and help the force nab criminals.

The police take action against suspects on the basis of human intelligence and the assistance of the locals in this regard was imperative, the SHO said. The police get information of crime after it is committed, however, with the assistance of the community and human intelligence a number of unlawful activities can be stopped from happening.

The locals complained about an increase in the theft of vehicle batteries. The SHO admitted the criminal activity and said some thieves involved in the crime had already been nabbed. The residents also complained about children’s involvement in criminal activities in the area and in response the SHO assured them that the issue would be resolved. He said police patrolling in the area had been increased.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023