KARACHI: Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon has informed the Sindh Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs that the Internal Accountability Bureau (IAB) of the Sindh police investigates and identifies complaints against misconduct of police officers and personnel.

He said this in response to a question asked by committee’s chairperson Faryal Talpur.

The IGP said that the bureau was headed by an additional IG.

The meeting reviewed the law and order situation in the province, efforts against street crime, and ongoing police operations in the riverine areas.

Among the participants were Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hasan Lanjar, Additional Chief Secretary for Home, inspector general of police, all additional IGs, DIGs, and district SSPs.

The IGP gave a detailed briefing on the law and order situation in the province, anti-street crime efforts, and ongoing police operations in the riverine areas.

He mentioned that kidnapping incidents in the riverine areas have taken the form of “honeytrap,” but the police force is vigilant and alert to protect citizens.

He also expressed gratitude to the Sindh government for providing modern weapons to the police.

The IGP shared details of absconding and wanted criminals and the crackdown on tinted windows, blue lights, fake/fancy number plates, along with the efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Counter Terrorism Department.

According to the IGP, 40 toll plazas under the S4 project are equipped with CCTV cameras to combat crime. Additionally, he informed the meeting about online verification of citizens’ data, issuance of driving licences, e-tagging, and search and hotel check-in apps.

He also confirmed that the Safe City project has entered its first phase.

He requested 400 prosecutors and highlighted the importance of rehabilitation centres.

The IGP also clarified that convoys are no longer used on katcha area roads.

Currently, 485 police stations receive budgets, with financial authority held by respective SHOs. Allocated budgets are also audited.

He added that tagging of absconders and fugitives requires court permission, and 31 police stations in Sindh are under repair, with plans to repair an additional 50 stations. Complaints against the police can be reported to 1715, which MPA Faryal Talpur mentioned they would soon test.

The IGP added that steps are being taken to strengthen Police 15 and emphasised the need for legislation to prevent domestic disputes and conflicts. He also highlighted that 30,000 police personnel participated in polio duty.

Ms Talpur desired the salary details of police employees by pay scale, emphasising that the police are a front-line force, with soldiers who sacrifice their lives and return as heroes. Increasing their salaries is the need of the hour, she said.

In response to a question, the home minister stated that the Sindh government has provided health insurance cards, but housing is also necessary.

A member of the Standing Committee, Sohail Anwar Siyal, suggested that cameras installed under the S4 project should detect all occupants in vehicles, and the details of absconders and wanted individuals should be shared with all districts. Those who have passed away should be removed from the list.

Ms Talpur appreciated the comprehensive briefing by the IGP and assured full support from the Sindh government, adding that narcotics would be discussed in the next meeting.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024