In Punjab, Pakistan, the evolution of policing has witnessed a paradigm shift in recent months. Traditional police stations, once perceived as distant and bureaucratic, have undergone a transformation into beacons of modern policing practices. These model police stations are not just physical structures; they embody a comprehensive approach that links community engagement, technological innovation, and administrative efficiency to redefine law enforcement in the region.Historically, the relationship between the police and the community in Punjab was strained, often characterized by a lack of trust and cooperation. However, recognizing the imperative need for reform, the province embarked on a journey to transform the way law enforcement operates. This transformation was essential to foster trust, ensure transparency, and address the evolving requirements of a modern society.
A model police station in the province stands on foundational pillars that prioritize clarity, community engagement, efficiency, and technological integration. Transparency ensures that every action taken by law enforcement agencies, including police officials, is open to inspection or inquiry, fostering a culture of accountability. These stations prioritize community engagement through various programs and initiatives, bridging the gap between the police force and the public. Moreover, efficiency is key; modern technology and streamlined processes equip these stations to handle cases promptly and effectively. Victim-centric approaches ensure empathy and support for those affected by crime, emphasizing the human aspect of law enforcement.The Punjab Police have implemented a range of initiatives to materialize the concept of model police stations. Establishing front desks within stations has been a pivotal step. Theseserve as the first point of contact for visitors, providing a welcoming environment and addressing queries or complaints efficiently.
Technological integration has been at the forefront of reforms. Online complaint filing systems and digital access to FIR (First Information Report) have increased accessibility and transparency. Furthermore, specialized training programs have equipped officers with the necessary skills for community engagement, conflict resolution, and modern investigative techniques.The transformation of police stations in Punjab has yielded promising results. The restoration of public trust and cooperation has led to increased crime reporting, aiding law enforcement in addressing issues proactively. Additionally, improved infrastructure and facilities have strengthened the morale of police officers, contributing significantly to their productivity.Furthermore, the community-oriented approach has reduced the fear associated with law enforcement, empowering citizens and fostering a sense of ownership within communities for their safety and security. Despite notable progress, challenges persist. Resistance to change within bureaucratic structures, limitations to hiring new resources, and the need for continual capacity building are ongoing hurdles. Sustaining these reforms requires consistency and commitment from policymakers, sufficient funding, and continuous public support. Similarly, building model police stations across the entire Punjab demands an aggressive yet smart approach. This includes strengthening technological infrastructure, intensifying training modules, and actively engaging stakeholders for sustained community participation. Along with that, there must be strict action if any of the police officials is found involved in corruption or abusing their power and authority. In this regard, caretaker Chief Minister Punjab (Mr. Mohsin Naqvi) has approvedbillions of rupees for the Special Initiative Police Stations (SIPS) project for the upgrade of all 737 police stations in the province. The project was launched in 2020 to provide the citizens with quick relief, change the ‘Thana culture,’ and strengthen the trust between the public and the public. It includes building model police stations divided into two parts with effective use of modern technology. On the front, these stations will have counters with modern technology, a friendly environment, and waiting rooms where services will be provided to citizens through a token system.Recently, the Inspector General Punjab (Dr. Usman Anwar)announced that all police stations would be upgraded within the year.
CCPO Lahore (Bilal Siddique Kamyana) and DIG (Ali Nasir Rizvi) played a major role in equipping all the police stations and convincing police officials to fulfill their duties honestly. In addition, Superintendent Police Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore (Ahmad Zunair Cheema), along with other SPs, has put all his efforts into transforming the police stations according to the given instructions, specifically, Gulshan Iqbal station.In this regard, a personal meetup was arranged with RPO Bahawalpur (Rai Babar Saeed), RPO Multan (Captain Sohail Chaudhry), DPO Sialkot (Hassan Iqbal), and I was told that 27 police stations of Bahawalpur and all stations of Multan and Sialkot,had been upgraded to the SIPS, to ensureconvenience for the citizens. All these officials worked day and night to follow the instructions from their respected seniors and implemented what they were asked to do so.
Along with that, senior officials are looking forward to equipping all police service centers, counters, police lines, training schools, and colleges with modern facilities. The IG Punjab (Dr. Usman Anwar)reviewed the ongoing steps to transfer all the police stations across Punjab to SIPS protocol and emphasized the need to accelerate anti-crime and community policing measures in all districts.According to me, the establishment of model police stations in Punjab represents a significant step towards a more effective, community-oriented, and transparent law enforcement system. These stations symbolize a departure from conventional policing methods, aiming to create a safer and more secure environment for all residents. As Punjab continues on this path of transformation, the model police stations stand as proof of the power of innovation and collaboration in shaping a brighter future for law enforcement and communities alike.Through determined efforts and ongoing reforms, Punjab is paving the way for a more effective, citizen-centric policing model that can serve as a guiding light for the entire nation.
The Writer is a Senior SocialReforms & Crime Analyst Can be found at
figure786@hotmail.com
