KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday asked the police force to ensure neutrality and discipline to strengthen governance within the force.

Addressing the Association of Former Inspectors General of Police Annual Conference on the topic of ‘Police Reforms: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities’ at Central Police Office, the chief minister said instead of reforms, the police needed governance, capacity building, and community policing methods and attitudes.

However, he highlighted the necessity of oversight, noting that supervision was vital because the police were a service, not a force.

Stresses importance of keeping ‘external pressures’ at bay

“Accountability ensures that wrongful actions are scrutinised,” he added.

The chief minister stressed the importance of keeping the police free from external pressures — whether political, financial, or religious.

He said that there was urgent need for governance within the police force to ensure justice, neutrality, public service, and on top of its community policing.

“There is a dire need to align police operations with Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of discipline, impartiality, and service to the nation instead of bringing drastic reforms,” he added.

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, forty retired IGPs, serving senior police officers, and members of civil society were in attendance.

The CM invited former IGs for further discussions over tea to deliberate on bridging gaps in the police system.

He added that former officers could contribute to policy discussions, but the ultimate responsibility rests with the government.

He acknowledged that reforms in the Police Act were essential, stating that if everything was perfect, “we wouldn’t be working on reforms today”.

Regarding policymaking and operational freedom, Murad Ali Shah clarified that policymaking was the government’s responsibility, while day-to-day operations should remain with the police.

President AFIGP Afzal Shigri in his written remarks urged the government to implement necessary reforms where required.

CM meets British envoy

The chief minister met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at CM House and discussed climate change, post-flood rehabilitation, education, and other critical issues.

Discussing the challenges faced by Sindh, the British High Commissioner said that rehabilitation after the devastating floods was one of the biggest challenges for the Sindh government.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2024