ISLAMABAD, Nov 26: President Pervez Musharraf has promulgated the Police Order (Amendment) Ordinance 2004 to set up District Public Safety and Police Complaints Commission in every district, including Islamabad.

According to the ordinance, promulgated late on Thursday night, the commission would have the powers to take steps to prevent police from engaging in any unlawful and mala fide activities.

It could refer such matters in writing to the provincial government for appropriate action to discourage a collusive relationship between zila nazim and head of district police, detrimental to the interest of the police.

If the in-charge of a police station is found guilty of refusing unjustifiably to register an FIR, the commission could direct the head of district police to conduct an inquiry into the matter and cause the registration of the FIR under section 154 of the Code.

In his first broadcast to the nation since taking office in August, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on last Friday had announced a number of steps to help harassed people and check police excesses. A bill to amend the Police Order 2002 would also be moved in parliament, he had said.

The commission could also direct the head of district police in writing to enquire into a complaint of neglect in general or by a functionary of a district police in particular to take appropriate action and report within the specified period.

In case of a complaint of excess by any federal law enforcement agency or civil armed forces, the commission could ask for a remedial action by the department concerned and demand report within a specified period. If no action is taken by the authority concerned, a reference could be made by the commission to the head of the organization concerned.

The commission has the power to summon any person to examine on oath in case of complaint and compel him to produce documents, receive documents on affidavits and examine witnesses.

One-third members of the commission will be appointed by the government from among the members of the National as well as the provincial assemblies of the district concerned as ex-officio, including a woman member.

Chairperson of the commission will be elected by the members from among themselves for three years while the commission will have its independent budget. The commission would be empowered to approve an annual 'Local Policing Plan' prepared by the head of district police in coordination with the district nazim.