PTI moves bill to reform Police Act, 1861

MPA Khurrum Sher Zaman says army, Rangers alone cannot fight terrorism

Introducing a bill seeking reforms in the existing Police Act, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Khurrum Sher Zaman on Monday stated that the police had to be the frontline force battling terrorism since the army and the Rangers were not a long-term solution.

The private members bill calling for a reform in the Police Act, 1861, was according to the MPA, submitted in the assembly on party chief Imran Khan’s directives. 

The MPA maintained that terrorism, afflicting both Sindh and Pakistan, could effectively be dealt with the help of the police force. However, for this to happen, the institution needed to be depoliticised through police reforms.

Sher Zaman stated that the objective of the proposed reforms was to create an independent and professional police force indispensable for a modern and democratic society.

“Under the Police Act, 1861, the entire force is a pawn in the hands of the rulers, used to frighten the public; but this bill proposes that the police be made a public-friendly force,” the MPA said.

The bill intends to reduce political interference in police affairs, as powers to post and/or transfer senior police officers rests with the police chief, Inspector General of Police, and not the chief minister.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the IGP to transfer and post officers up to the rank of Additional Inspector General (AIG) in the province.

The bill contains significant provisions to support unity of command, transparency, service delivery, merit-based promotions, stricter accountability and implementation, the MPA said while sharing the details.

He further claimed that the bill suggests recruiting officers through a credible testing agency to ensure transparency in the hiring process.

Some other proposals included a complaint management and public information system, as well as phone lines to seek police’ assistance and setting up councils as an alternative means to resolve disputes.

The bill suggested keeping a check on the institution through district and provincial Public Safety Commissions (PSCs), comprising elected representatives and well-reputed citizens.

The commissions’ functions include evaluating police performance, holding inquiries, recommending police reforms among others.

For police accountability the bill provides for a Regional Police Complaint Authority (RPCA) consisting of a retired judge, a civil servant, and a professional.

Setting up nine specialised training institutes to ensure continuous training for the police, as well as empowering the IGP to establish more schools with the government’s approval, was also a part of the PTI’s police reforms bill.