LAHORE: The Punjab government has finally begun groundwork to establish a ‘Provincial Police Complaints Authority’ (PPCA) – a forum required under the Police Order of 2002 that never materialised during the past two decades.

The Police Order of 2002 mandated several institutions for public oversight, including checks and balances, but there had been no platform for the public to lodge complaints against police misconduct.

As a result, such complaints have continued to accumulate with no remedial measures. There has been no independent accountability for the police ever since.

Following the approval of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal on Monday notified an eight-member committee to frame the criteria and terms for selecting members of the PPCA.

Committee notified to frame criteria and terms for selecting PPCA members

The committee, convened by the law minister, has been tasked with establishing criteria for the selection of eminent persons as members, with high moral standing and impeccable integrity, along with skills, knowledge, and experience.

The committee has been instructed to define relevant experience and knowledge in fields such as law enforcement, public administration, judicial services, human rights, criminal justice, and governance. It will also ensure that the selection criteria for members are based on merit, transparency, and inclusiveness.

The committee is expected to present its comprehensive report and recommendations to the Punjab government within 15 days.

The Punjab home secretary will act as secretary to the committee, while the chief secretary, law and parliamentary affairs secretary, inspector general of police (IGP), advocate general Punjab, and additional IGP of Special Branch have been notified as committee members. The committee has also been authorized to co-opt any additional member.

When contacted, PTI MPA Ahmer Rasheed Bhatti said that public safety and complaint commissions should consist of elected representatives rather than civil and police bureaucracy.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2024