RAWALPINDI: The police department is seeking ulema and religious scholars to deliver lectures on Islamic teachings to moharrars, in a bid to improve their behaviour towards victims of crimes who seek the police’s help.

City Police Officer (CPO) Israr Ahmed Khan Abbasi said on Tuesday that the police hope to see a fall in all kinds of criminal activity in 2017 by establishing front desk at all police stations and improve police behaviour by seeking the help of religious scholars.

Mr Abbasi spoke to the press about the police department’s performance in 2016, and said 2,191 police officers and officials were punished for poor performance last year, while those who dedicated themselves to their duty received praise.

He said 964 search operations were conducted in the district under the National Action Plan (NAP), during which 57,934 houses, 324 hotels, two hostels, 20 inns and 223,000 individuals were checked and questioned by the police.

A total of 466 cases were registered related to the Punjab Security of Vulnerable Establishments Act, 107 were registered for violations of the loudspeaker act, 151 for wall-chalking, 1,228 for illegal weapons and 1,035 against property owners who did not provide tenancy details. Mr Abbasi added that 3,424 people were arrested.

He said there was a considerable reduction in property crime, and an increase in the recovery of stolen goods as compared to 2015.

He also revealed that 21 child abduction cases were registered in 2016, in which 25 children were kidnapped – 20 of whom the police were able to recover.

There was a fall in kidnapping for ransom cases – seven were registered last year as compared to 12 in 2015.

The CPO said 18,393 cases were registered in total in 2016 – an increase from 17,048 in 2015, but added that CCTV cameras have been set up at the district’s exit points to monitor criminal activity and vehicle theft.

He also said community policing has been introduced in the district to help the police control street crime, and front desks have been set up at all 30 police stations to facilitate victims.

He said educated, young people have been posted at the front desks to facilitate citizens who approach the police.

He added that, in an effort to end ‘thana culture’ and improve the police’s behaviour, religious scholars and ulema are being sought to deliver lectures to moharrars in line with Islamic teachings.

“It will definitely help the police change policemen’s behaviour and lead to an end in thana culture,” he said about the move.

Published in Dawn January 4th, 2017