Punjab Police in Pakistan to strengthen internal oversight in fight against corruption
In Lahore, Pakistan, the leadership of Punjab Police decided to reorganize its internal accountability branch and give it a key role in the campaign against corruption among police officers of all ranks. The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim following an instruction from provincial Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to purge the department of corrupt officials.
As Dawn reports, the branch is to become a more effective and empowered body for initiating internal disciplinary proceedings against police officers who have received corruption complaints.
Daily review of complaints
The inspector general instructed the deputy inspector general of the internal accountability branch to review daily complaints received from across the province against police officers holding the rank of sub-inspector and above. Regional superintendents of police from the branch will investigate allegations of corruption or misconduct by such personnel.
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Previously, similar investigations were referred to the relevant districts and regions. According to an informed source cited by the publication, this allowed involved personnel to influence the procedure and return to their positions. Under the new decision, such investigations will not be sent to district or regional units.
Reinstatement of complaints and staffing decisions
Abdul Karim also ordered the reinstatement of all complaints closed because the complainant was unwilling to continue the proceedings and, where necessary, the conduct of new investigations. Complaints related to investigative work will be referred to an officer holding the rank of superintendent of police for further action.
The deputy inspector general of the internal accountability branch will oversee disciplinary measures following the investigations; where necessary, these matters will also be considered at the Central Police Office. The meeting also decided to restore the post of assistant inspector general for investigations, give priority to filling vacant positions of regional superintendents and deputy superintendents, and provide the branch with additional funding. It will also use information from the Special Branch in its investigations.
