ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: Islamabad District Public Safety Commission will be formed after the establishment of local government in the capital.

According to the new Police Act, the Commission will work for the improvement of the police performance and for the provision of a better atmosphere in the city.

The Commission will comprise 12 members, which would include three members to be appointed by the President, three members of the National Assembly —- two from treasury benches and one from the opposition —- and six independent members, which will also be appointed by the President. Women will be given one third participation in the Commission.

“No member of the Commission could be elected more than once,” the ordinance said.

Similarly, the Federal Public Complaint Authority would also be formed in Islamabad to redress complaints against law- enforcement agencies.

The Authority would have six members with three years tenure each. The members would also be appointed by the President.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the new Police Act would be implemented after the formation of local government in the Capital.

An official said the police had been made more accountable in the Act. He said the orders had been issued for its implementation.

Giving details, he said there would be a Capital city police officer of BPS-21 in place of inspector general.

There would be two SSPs in Islamabad —- SSP operations and SSP investigation.

Under the new Act, cases would also be registered against police officials for their negligence.

In case of non-production of any accused before the relevant court within 24 hours, the investigation officer will be awarded one-year imprisonment and fine.

Imprisonment for three years and fine will be awarded to those police officials, who will be found intoxicated.

Now, police cannot arrest or detain any person without lawful reasons. Similarly, police cannot torture any accused in custody. In case of violation of these rules, the relevant police officials will be sent behind bars for five years.

Election Cell: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has formed a Local Government (LG) election cell to make necessary arrangements for conducting polls in the capital after general elections.

The cell will be headed by additional deputy commissioner (general) Malik Tariq.

A senior ICT official told Dawn that the interior ministry had given a ‘go ahead’ to make preparation for the polls.

Local Government (LG) election in Islamabad will be held on October 27 or 28. A special meeting was held at chief commissioner office to discuss the devolution plan.

The administration has also formed a committee comprising assistant commissioners and magistrates to assist the LG election cell.

The meeting was informed that draft of local government ordinance had been prepared but it was yet to be promulgated by President Musharraf. It would be promulgated within the next three to four days.

When contacted, deputy commissioner Islamabad Tariq Mehmood Khan said the ICT had been intimated that the elections would be held in the last week of October.

Responding to a query whether the LG polls could be held by the end of October, he said although a period of two months was required for conducting polls, if required the authority concerned could curtail the time limit of election process.

To another query, the official said Capital Development Authority (CDA) and its board would exist in the new set up.