KOHAT, Aug 13: The deputy inspector-general of police for Kohat Region, Zulfiqar Cheema, has expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the investigation bureau because most of the criminals are freed by the courts due to lacunas in the investigation reports.

Addressing a meeting of the elders of the area at the District Council Hall on Monday morning, the DIG vowed to weed out corruption from his department through monitoring of the investigation system and bringing positive change in the ‘thana culture’ by inculcating courtesy and respect for people in the police station staff.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting were District Nazim Gohar Saifullah Khan, Tehsil Nazim Dilbar Khan, MNA Mufti Ibrar Sultan, Ittehad Bain-ul-Muslimeen president Syed Mahatabul Hassan, district police officer Dr Vaqar, ASP Athar, SPO investigation Faiz Mohammad Khan, former MNA Javed Ibraheem, president of bazaar union Sher Khan Bangash, Mohammad Abid Khan, Haji Abid of Traders Action Forum and president of Kohat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Manzoor Ahmed Paracha.

He asked the investigation branch to probe the cases with hard work and honesty because the present ratio of punishment was the biggest reason behind the increase of crime in society.

He expressed anguish over some reports that drugs were being sold in certain areas and warned that if in future even one gram of drugs were find then he would suspended the Station House Officer of that particular police station.

He assured the people that black sheep would not be allowed to defame the police department and strict punishments would be awarded to the corrupt officials.

He asked the elders to submit suggestions for making the police department a true servant of the people. He said he would strictly follow a carrot and stick policy to crush crime and to provide protection to people.