DIG Operations takes public policing to digital platform

LAHORE, Aug 30 (APP): Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran on Sunday held his first Facebook open court, attracting participation of more than 10,000 citizens from Pakistan and different countries, in a new initiative aimed at bringing police services closer to the public through digital platforms.

During the 45-minute online session, citizens directly shared their complaints, police-related issues and suggestions with the DIG Operations. He also personally contacted several citizens through phone calls after they approached him through Facebook messages and listened to their grievances.

The DIG directed the relevant officers to address complaints related to Lahore on a priority basis and provide feedback to the complainants, besides emphasizing the need for an effective follow-up mechanism until resolution of public grievances.

Faisal Kamran said the online open court was aimed at ensuring citizens’ access to police authorities at their doorstep, timely redressal of complaints and incorporation of public opinion into policing. “Your opinion is important to us; action will be taken on your identification of issues,” he said.

He urged citizens to become the eyes and ears of police and assist law-enforcement agencies by reporting social and societal evils. He particularly called for timely information about dangerous activities including kite flying, aerial firing and one-wheeling.

The DIG also sought public cooperation in combating drugs, assuring that the name and identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential. He said police action would also be taken against illegal activities being carried out under the guise of massage centres.

He said prevention of social evils and societal problems, along with controlling crime, was also a responsibility of police, adding that public cooperation was essential for achieving these objectives.

Faisal Kamran cautioned citizens against fraudulent housing societies and advised them to verify the approval status of a housing scheme from the Lahore Development Authority before purchasing property.

He also advised citizens to conduct property transactions through written agreements, saying that a little precaution before purchasing a plot or property could save them from major financial losses and fraud.

According to the spokesperson, the DIG Operations Lahore office would hold a public open court six days a week, while an online Facebook open court would be held every Sunday.