Shahbaz Sharif is dismayed over police performance

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that half of the crimes in the society would eliminate if police remains alert and vigilant. He said that police has committed worst kind of negligence towards the tragic incident at Sahiwal. He warned that stern action will be taken against negligent police officials. He directed DPO to arrest all accused involved in the incident within 48 hours.

He was talking to media after sympathizing with the aggrieved family of a gang-rape victim in village Fatehsher (81/5R) in Sahiwal today. The Chief Minister lamented that police paid no attention to this tragic incident for about one and a half months and the wrong-doers kept moving about freely. He said that there is no room in Punjab police for such officers who remained ignorant about crimes and illegal activities in their areas.

The Chief Minister issued orders for suspension of concerned DSP and SHO and ordered action against them for dereliction of duty. He asked Inspector General Police who was present on the occasion what kind of system it was which failed to provide protection to an innocent girl who had no father or brother. He said that perhaps the pre-partition system was better than the existing one when police officers patrolled far-flung areas on horseback.

He said that though the police department has fast vehicles, jeeps and modern weapons but information about incidents of crimes reached police officials through TV channels. He said that police has been guilty of worst type of negligence in this matter which shows that the system is not functioning property. He asked what police was doing when extreme cruelty was being committed to a daughter of the country by savages.

The Chief Minister directed that the remaining accused involved in the case be arrested within next 48 hours and the case be tried in anti terrorists court. He said that the request will be made to the court to hear the case on daily basis so that the culprits could be brought to justice. He further directed that complete protection should be provided to the aggrieved family. Shahbaz Sharif assured the affected girl that arrangements will be made for her higher education and other requirements will be fulfilled.

Talking to media the Chief Minister said that if police remained ignorant about this incident for about one and a half months it certainly committed worst kind of negligence. Replying to a question about law and order, the Chief Minister said that solid measures are being taken for further improving law & order situation in the province.