RAWALPINDI: Police have decided to register cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against responsible officials if an under-trial prisoner escapes from police custody.

Proper handcuffs must be used and the practice of using ropes or iron chains while presenting accused persons before courts will not be allowed.

Furthermore, no police official will be permitted to use a private car or motorcycle even when presenting only one suspect in court.

These guidelines were given by City Police Officer (CPO) Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera while chairing a meeting at the Police Headquarters on Sunday. The meeting was attended by SSPs, SPs, SDPOs and the police station chiefs along with in charges of the Hawalat guard at Adiala, Bakshi Khana, tehsil and district courts.

The escape of under-trial prisoners from police custody topped the meeting’s agenda, while a special anti-corruption campaign was the second key item discussed.

All officers should focus on important responsibilities like security duties, transfer and movement of prisoners. Negligence will not be tolerated, the CPO told the meeting.

“There is a zero tolerance policy against officers involved in corruption. Immediate action will be taken on complaints of corruption.

“Rawalpindi Police is taking all measures to control crime and protect citizens,” CPO Sukhera said.

“Escape of under-trial prisoners from police custody will not be tolerated and in case of violation a case will be registered under Anti-Terrorism Act against the responsible and strict departmental action will be initiated as well,” he added.

He further directed that no suspect will be brought out of the lock-up as Muharar of the police station will be responsible who will ensure proper security in line with the SOP.

During interrogation of suspects, no third person will be present in the interrogation room. “Illegal detention of any individual in the police station and lock-ups will not be tolerated,” the CPO said.

Crime prevention is the first responsibility, he said, adding that work was being done on crime control under an integrated strategy at the police station, subdivision and division levels. All kinds of technical and logistical support are being provided to the field staff to prevent crimes and suppress criminal elements.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2026