KOHAT, Dec 21: NWFP Inspector General of Police Mohammad Raffat Pasha took notice of the cases of mistreatment of women in police stations and warned policemen of stern action under the Police Order if they violated the laws meant for protecting women.

In an order that was issued to district police officers and the Police Training College in Hangu, Mr Pasha said the standing order No 2 of 2006 entitled “Women protection|” is being issued for gender sensitisation of the police on issues pertaining to women’s rights.

He warned that under articles 3 and 4 of the Police Order, action would be taken against police officers violating privacy of women during search operations. He said departmental action would be taken against the policemen violating the laws.

Mr Pasha pointed out that there were several complaints which held that while dealing with women the police staff didn’t discharge their responsibilities properly either due to lack of knowledge or simply out of habit.

Handling women’s cases with care was mandatory under the aforementioned articles and those violating them could be punished under articles 155, 156 and 157 of the order.

He suggested that all sections of the criminal procedure code of the Police Order should be included in courses taught at the police training colleges and the Recruitment Training Wing. “For better understanding of the trainees the laws should be translated into Urdu and they (trainee policemen) be sensitised through workshops and seminars with the help of NGOs.

“All laws pertaining to women should be clearly displayed at police stations and the police should strictly follow the rules,” he said.

The tradition of Swara, which has been declared an offence under section 310-A of the PPC, should be discouraged.

Mr Pasha said the Protection of Women Act should be enforced in letter and spirit and in case of complaints, officials concerned would be punished.