KARACHI: A group of former inspectors general (IGs) of police has urged Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to establish a centralised resource management system (RMS) run by non-police staff for lodging complaints and monitoring police.

The suggestion came during a meeting between the members of the Association of Former Inspectors General of Police (AFIGP) and the chief minister at CM House here on Friday.

Mr Shah hosted the delegation, led by former IGP Afzal Shigri, to discuss issues and shortcomings in the police department.

The meeting was also attended by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon and CM’s principal secretary Agha Wasif.

Former IGs call on chief minister to discuss enhancing governance, accountability and functional autonomy within police department

The CM stressed the importance of restoring public trust in police through improved accountability and adherence to jurisdictional boundaries.

He advocated that greater functional autonomy should be given to police to avoid inter-service conflicts.

The overall frank discussion mainly focused on enhancing governance, accountability, and functional autonomy within the department, said a press release issued by CM House after the meeting.

It was agreed that there was a need to set up an RMS-based compliant cell where non-police officials be posted to register complaints.

The chief minister also emphasised his government’s commitment to strengthening the police through increased budgetary allocations, advanced equipment, and specialised training.

The CM noted a significant shift in the power balance between the civil service and police since 2002, urging for better cooperation among agencies.

Mr Shah told the visiting guests that the establishment of a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory in Sindh was underway. “I have no issue with arranging funds, but the issue which usually crops up is that of human resources,” he said and added that he had issued directives to arrange experts from the market.

Former IGPs suggested empowering constables by improving their literacy, writing, and IT skills and initiating investigations at the constable level.

The CM said he had transferred financial powers at the police station levels but strengthening constables was the need of the hour.

An urban policing model similar to Scotland Yard, incorporating efficient crime detection and victim support mechanisms, was also discussed.

The chief minister asked the former IGPs to send their recommendations for the purpose.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing dispute over 150 acres of land allocated to the Sindh police in Hyderabad since 1972.

Discussions also covered plans to improve Karachi’s traffic management and expand the Citizen-Police Liaison Committees to other cities.

The Sindh government’s recent introduction of medical insurance for police personnel and their families received praise from the former IGPs.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to collaborative reform efforts.

Afzal Shigri, president of the association, expressed gratitude to the chief minister for the initiative.

“This collaborative approach signals a significant step towards enhancing public safety and trust in the Sindh Police,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2024