RAWALPINDI: The performance of the police remained poor, despite repeated instructions to apprehend all proclaimed offenders (POs) of Category ‘A’ and target offenders (TOs) during the Eid holidays, as only a few TOs were arrested.

This was allegedly revealed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Islamabad, during a recent crime and security meeting convened to review police performance over the Eid holidays and to formulate a security strategy for Muharramul Haram.

According to official sources, the DIG expressed his dissatisfaction with the poor performance of Station House Officers (SHOs) and other police officials who had been tasked with arresting Category ‘A’ POs and TOs. The officers had been provided with complete lists of wanted individuals.

Out of the targets set for the police, only five Category ‘A’ Proclaimed Offenders and seven out of 67 Target Offenders were arrested during the Eid holidays in the district.

“This was a highly unsatisfactory performance by the police,” the DIG reportedly told the meeting.

Despite repeated warnings that house burglaries tend to increase during the Eid holidays in Islamabad, there was no decrease in such crimes. Consequently, the SHOs concerned were issued show-cause notices for their poor performance.

The meeting was also informed that the majority of under-investigation cases of heinous crimes remain untraced due to poor investigation. Therefore, in the future, the SHO concerned will be suspended and served a show-cause notice if the situation does not improve, the huddle decided as per sources.

Additionally, newly posted SHOs were directed to focus on their duties, or else face strict departmental action.

The meeting was informed that all zonal SPs must ensure that individuals listed in the fourth schedule do not participate in processions or majalis, and they should request the deputy commissioner to ban firebrand speakers from delivering speeches.

As part of the security measures, all SPs were instructed to personally inspect the procession routes on foot to ensure that no mosque along the route is using loudspeakers in a manner that could incite unrest.

Streets along Category ‘A’ procession routes will be blocked using containers and barbed wire.

The venues and routes must be cleared by the bomb disposal squad, and it must be ensured that walkthrough gates and metal detectors are fully functional, officials were instructed.

Police have also been tasked with obtaining written assurances from house owners and shopkeepers that no individual will be present on rooftops along the procession routes.

The officers were also ordered that women, especially those carrying handbags, must undergo security checks before joining the procession, and security cabins should be installed at checking points.

The DIG also directed SPs, DSPs, and SHOs to keep strict checks on people entering or exiting hotels, inns, guesthouses and motels, and to maintain proper records at the concerned police stations during Muharramul Haram.

As part of the Muharramul Haram security arrangements in Rawalpindi, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Kashif Zulfiqar visited a main procession route.

According to sources, SP Rawal Division, DSP City, SHOs and other officers were also present.

The SSP reviewed the route and issued instructions to the officers. He said foolproof security arrangements are being made for processions and gatherings, with thousands of police personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful environment.

He further said the SOPs issued by the Punjab government will be strictly implemented, as the Rawalpindi Police is committed to maintaining order during Muharram.

SSP Kashif Zulfiqar stated that all efforts are being made to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance during Muharramul Haram.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2025