KARACHI, Feb 22: An open Kutchery organized by the Community Police Committee under the aegis of the Defence Associations Coordination Committee was held near Mubarik Masjid, Seaview , on Sunday to give people an opportunity to voice their complaints about police in Defence, particularly Darakshan and Gizri, says a press release issued on Sunday.

The DACC general-secretary, Aziz Suharwardy, said that as people were hesitant about contacting the police a 14-member CPC of area residents could now be contacted for help.

"The committee of volunteers of Residents Associations of Seaview, Ph VII, Ph IV, Ph II Ext, Ph V Ext and Ph VI are authorized to check the police and will help fellow citizens when needed, thus bridging the communication gap between the police and the public. A room is being allocated for the committee in the police station," he said.

The Darkshan and Gizri DSP, Rana Pervez, informed the gathering that while on UN deputation in Bosnia he had learnt the importance of interacting with the community.

Acting on that model he was visiting schools and listening to residents' complaints first hand, he said. He hoped that residents would benefit form the CPC.

He added that the police could also be asked for help in civil and family disputes and complaints regarding the KESC, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company and other civic agencies. He said the police would officially convey to the DHA and the Clifton Cantonment Board complaints about poor streetlights.