Coronavirus pandemic: Police reactivates 724 Public Liaison Councils in Hazara to tackle situation

PESHAWAR: The police in Hazara range have involved the Public Liaison Councils (PLCs) to effectively cope with the challenge of COVID-19 by creating awareness among the public and ensuring social distancing.

The district police officers (DPOs) across Hazara have been directed to review the structure of PLCs, remove the deficiencies and convene meetings and call upon the members to play their role in these testing times, an official told The News.

“By involving the bodies, police have actually mobilised more than 4,000 notables and influential citizens of 724 PLCs in Hazara division who have access to the masses at the grass-root level and can influence the locals to ensure social distancing,” Regional Police Officer Hazara, Qazi Jamilur Rehman told The News.The PLCs had devised strategy as per the requirements of the area and had started the awareness sessions, the official said.

He added that a number of PLCs in Abbottabad had already contacted the local ulema, held in-depth sessions and successfully convinced many of them to abide by the government instructions. “It’s a very good beginning which will go a long way in ensuring social distancing,” he said. He added that sessions have also been held with members of the business community to implement government directives.

The PLCs were incorporated into the KP Police Act 2017 and the main task assigned to the bodies was to assist police in maintenance of law and order and resolution of local disputes. Besides, the PLCs were tasked to inform the local police about developments in the area, local tenants and other matters impacting law and order situation.