ISLAMABAD, Sept 23: It is incumbent on the police to improve their conduct towards the people and listen to their grievances and promote discipline among its ranks, now that the Police Order 2002 has been promulgated.

This was stated by the minister for Interior and narcotics control Lt-Gen Moinuddin Haider (retired) at the inaugural meeting of the newly formed National Police Management Board under the Police Order 2002.

He was presiding over the meeting attended by the inspector general of police of all the provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Northern Areas, Pakistan Railways, Capital City Police Officers from Punjab, Balochistan and Islamabad.

He said in the light of inputs from federating units it would be able to work for the capacity building of police to cope with the challenges of terrorism, sectarianism, violence and organized crime.

The minister said people are right in expecting civil armed forces to maintain law and order within the country and the recent successes in apprehending terrorists and anti-social elements has done much to boost the morale of the people.

The government was working towards equipping the police with training, arms, transport, pay and allowances, accommodation and other facilities.

The participants apprised the minister of the difficulties faced by the police in the implementation of the Police Order, 2002.

Mr Haider said following actions should be taken for improving the operational capabilities of the police and general law and order situation:

Members, funding sources, weapons delivery, offices of the proscribed organizations and splinter groups may be kept under watch;

The highways should be safe for travelling for citizens of Pakistan;

Kidnapping for ransom should be dealt with an iron hand;

Display of weapons is prohibited, strict action should be taken against the delinquents.

The de-weaponization drive proved fruitful in controlling law and order situation and it should be continued in the same spirit;

Special emphasis should be given on recruitment and training of police officers with special reference to investigative skills;

Every police training institution should prepare a master plan which should focus on specific areas of training;

Funds have been provided for procuring equipment for provincial criminal investigation department. These departments should focus on cases of sectarianism, terrorism and organized crimes.

Personnel from levies and Khasadars be invited for training in institutions;

The Anti-Terrorism School located at Simly should be taken over by National Police Academy.