RAWALPINDI: Expressing concern over child abuse, pornography and the lack of implementation of his directives to crack down on gambling, prostitution and drug peddling, Punjab`s chief of police has directed police to crack down on such activities and report to him.
In June, the inspector general of police (IGP) had noted complaints about gambling dens, drug peddling and prostitution dens in various parts of the province and directed divisional police chiefs and city police officers (CPO) to curb such activities.
He had said that there would be zero toler ance for any police of ficials involved in illegal activities.
On June 24, IGP Arif Nawaz Khan went into a session with regional police of ficers to review decisions made at their last high-level meeting and the implementation of his orders.
In additional to divisional chiefs, CPOs and district police officers were also present. According to sources, he had expressed concern over the police`s failure to crack down on gambling, narcotics, illicit arms and increasingincidentsofchild abuse and pornography.
He said that it was very unfortunate that complaints of child abuse and pornography were increasing in some districts, but did not elaborate on which districts had seen a risein suchcases.
The Punjab chief minister has already taken notice of offences against minors, particularly sexual offences, and directed police to take strict legal action and take complainants into confidence.
He has also directed the police to launchan awareness campaign to sensitise parents and students.
Muharram preparations The CPO has directed superintendents of police and other concerned officials to devise a comprehensive security plan for the month of Muharram, in order to prevent another outbreak of violence similar to what occurred in Raja Bazaar in 2013.
CPO Mohammad Faisal Rana issued the directions during a high-level meeting of Rawalpindi police officials on Friday.
He said the police must make a policy in collaboration with other law enforcement organisations to ensure that no sectarian or religious hatred can be spread in any situation and to deal strictly with those involved in such activities.
He said hate speech and wall-chalking that contains inciting slogans are unacceptable and organisations banned by the Ministry of Interior cannot be allowed to perform any such activities.
He said if individuals listed not the fourth schedule are found involved in any such activities or found missing from their place of residence, they will be booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The CPO said there are clear instructions and guidelines for religious congregations, which have to be licensed and have to follow the permitted route and time period.
Peace committees from the police station level and up to the district level should be functional and engaged to help devise comprehensive security plans and policies, he added.-Mohammad Asghar
(Daily Dawn)
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