Strict orders issued to check misuse of powers at District East police stations

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Farrukh Raza, police chief of District East, has expressed his concern over misuse of powers at police stations and ordered stopping the process of giving informal powers to duty clerks, saying that the station clerk (head moharrar) will be the only one responsible for assigning duties.

Talking to The News over the issue on Thursday, SSP Raza said he has identified an administrative lapse in police stations whereby, despite the presence of a regularly appointed head moharrar, informal powers of assigning duties have been given to the “duty munshi”, due to which ambiguity and irregularity have been created in the internal order of the police station.

He noted that according to the police rules, only the station clerk has the authority to distribute duties, monitor records and other administrative matters on the instructions of the SHO, and that there is no post like ‘duty munshi’ in the rules.

He has told all SHOs that the process of transferring powers informally should be stopped immediately, as this is an important step towards administrative transparency, professional discipline and improvement in the police stations.

Moreover, an order letter was also issued to all police stations, and DSP and SP offices by the District East SSP office. The order reads, “It has been observed with serious concern that in various police stations across District East, Karachi, Head Moharrars have delegated the duties of deployment clerks or "Munshis" to other police officials. This practice has led to confusion, disrupted workflow, and is in direct violation of Rule 22(3) and 22(4) of the Police Rules, 1934.

“In order to examine the legality of this practice, SP Gulshan Division, was assigned to go through the law, rules, regulations and furnish views. The following were his findings and comments; As per Police rules 1934, the Station Clerk (Head Moharrar) holds a central and accountable role within the police station.

“The Head Moharrar is solely responsible for the daily assignment of duties, under the instructions of the Officer In-Charge (SHO), and is entrusted with several critical responsibilities, including; maintaining all official records of the police station, including FIRs, daily diaries, case files, registers, and correspondence.”

The order further calls for ensuring accuracy, completeness, proper indexing of all records, safeguarding official documents and police station property entrusted to their care, distributing duties to police station staff, as directed by the SHO and according to established protocols, preparing reports, statements, and official documents as required by the SHO or senior officers, managing communication and proper documentation of all incoming and outgoing official correspondence.

“While Head Moharrars may be assisted by junior clerks or police personnel, this assistance does not reduce their core responsibilities. The Head Moharrar remains fully accountable for all official tasks and must ensure the role's integrity is upheld at all times.

“Therefore, in view of above all Station House Officers (SHOs) are ensure full compliance with Chapter 22, Rules 3 and 4 of the Police Rules, 1934. Formally appoint a Head Moharrar at each police station, ensuring the designated officer understands the scope of their duties and the accountability that comes with the role. Refrain from using informal titles or designations such as "Duty Munshi."

The order calls for conducting regular inspections to verify that official records are maintained properly and duty assignments are carried out in line with established procedures and the SHO's directions.

“Recommend prompt disciplinary action, under the Sindh Police (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, against any officer found to be violating these orders or engaging in practices that undermine the formal administrative structure. These directives are effective immediately. All officers are instructed to ensure the order is widely communicated and strictly followed at every level within District East, Karachi.”