IG directs police officials deployed at pickets not to fire until imminent threat

Lahore: In order to protect the lives, properties and honor of citizens, police officials deployed at pickets can not open fire in future unless there is an imminent threat to life of an official as per provision of law and all officials deployed at pickets will be bound to adopt all possible preventive measures by using proper security equipments like bullet proof jackets with ballistic helmets, wireless sets, barriers during picketing duties.

Inspector General of Police Punjab, Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera has formulated a new SOP for Naka Bandi, Snap Checking, Raids and Patrolling in the backdrop of Rawalpindi firing incident and to stop reoccurrence of such incidents in future. According to the new SOP all field officers were directed to avoid the deployment of those police officials at pickets who are trigger happy, physically sick, emotionally disturbed and not properly trained / qualified in weapon handling. They were also directed to ensure that the weapons could not be issued those who are aggressive and short tempered behavior.

Field officers will also be responsible under the new SOP to arrange the police darbars on regular basis in police lines to trained the officials to display decency, courtesy, patience and a maximum restraint during Naka Bandies. They will also ensure that the maximum duty hours of these officials not more than 08 hours. Deployment of at least 1×4 strength police officials at naka bandi / patrolling must be ensured by the officers according to the SOP.

All CCPO, RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, SPs, SDPOs and SHOs will be overall responsible for implementation of the SOP and would pay surprise visits to asses the state of preparedness and on ground follow up of the directions.

According to the new SOP all field officers will launched a comprehensive media campaign with a view to educate public about their responsibilities as citizens and also to create awareness amongst public that these nakas are placed for their security and protection.