Former IGs Meet Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to Discuss Police Reforms
Karachi Web Desk: Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, warmly welcomed former Inspectors General (IGs) of Police at the Chief Minister’s House for discussions on police reforms. Provincial Minister for Home Affairs Zia Hassan Lanjhar, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, and IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon were also present during the meeting.
Strengthening the Police Force
The Chief Minister highlighted Sindh government’s efforts in strengthening the police force by providing a comprehensive budget, modern equipment, and training programs. However, he emphasized the need for internal governance and accountability within the police.
Governance and Responsibility
“Our duty is to serve and protect the people who have elected us,” said Murad Ali Shah, stressing the importance of each institution working within its designated domain. He added, “Every institution must respect its boundaries to prevent conflicts.” Addressing past concerns, he noted instances where disagreements arose over proposed amendments to police laws.
Historical Perspective
Reflecting on changes to governance systems, the Chief Minister mentioned that prior to 2002, the civil service held authority over the police service. This shift led to inter-service power struggles, which he said need to be resolved through collaborative efforts among all services.
Advancing Policing Systems
The Chief Minister announced ongoing work to establish a forensic lab in Sindh. He agreed with former IGs on focusing on the development of constables, rather than just station-level operations. Suggestions included improving literacy, IT training, and management skills for constables.
A proposal to introduce a Resource Management System (RMS) for police was discussed. This system would allow the public to file complaints at non-police units, which would be automatically integrated into the police database for monitoring and action.
Health and Insurance Initiatives
The former IGs praised Sindh Government’s initiative to provide medical insurance for police officers and their families. They noted that this step has been appreciated nationwide. It was also suggested that the benefits of insurance be communicated to the public to encourage broader adoption.
Enhancing Investigations
Former IGs proposed starting investigations at the constable level, citing Hong Kong’s system where constables initiate reports and investigations. They suggested a similar model for Sindh, along with IT and writing skill development for constables.
Urban Policing and Traffic Management
Discussions also focused on improving traffic flow in Karachi and expanding the Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) system to other cities. Former IGs recommended creating an urban policing system to address the unique challenges of metropolitan areas.
Land Allocation Issues
Participants highlighted that 150 acres of land allocated to Sindh Police in Hyderabad in 1972 have yet to be handed over.
Acknowledgment and Gratitude
The meeting concluded with Afzal Shigri, President of the Association of Former Inspectors General of Police, thanking the Chief Minister for his hospitality and insightful discussions over tea.
