LAHORE: Punjab police inspector general (IGP) Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera on Saturday introduced a new policy for dealing with child abduction cases.
The policy was formulated during a meeting of police officers at the Central Police Office.
Under the policy, the SHOs concerned will register FIRs as soon as they receive an abduction complaint. Stern action will be taken against officers who delayed this. The SHO and the investigation officer will remain in contact with parents of the kidnapped children.
CCTV cameras will be installed at railway stations, lorry addas, shrines, public parks and billiard and video game clubs. Markets and shops where children worked would also be monitored. The IGP also ordered stern action against beggars.
A gazetted officer will be appointed as focal person for dealing with abduction cases. He will send reports to the Crime Registration Office within 15 days of registration of the FIRs. All field officers will coordinate with Child Welfare and Protection Bureau, non-government organisations and cable operators to share information about missing children.
The IGP urged the media to raise awareness among people about the issue and requested them to cooperate with police.
Separately, CCPO Amin Wains held a meeting with MPAs and MNAs from Lahore over the issue. The meeting decided that the parliamentarians will accompany parents of missing children during their visits to police stations. The announcement of a child’s recovery will also be made publicly along with parents and the elected representatives.
(The Express Tribune)
********