LAHORE – Inspector General of Police Haji Habibur Rehman, ruling out any inefficiency on his part when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team near Qaddafi Stadium, said on Saturday that two senior police officers were held responsible of criminal negligence soon after the incident occurred in 2009. Mr Rehman, it may be recalled, was the Lahore police’s chief at the time, and the incident had deprived the country of international cricket.
The provincial police chief expressed these views during his first media interaction at PHQ. Talking about the ups and downs during his professional career, he said he never compromised on principles of justice and rule of law. Sharing his policy with the media persons, Haji Habibur Rehman, flanked by his PSO and 33 SHOs of Model Police Stations, assured the journalists that police stations would become Darul Aman (houses of peace) in due course of time.
“At these stations, the victims will be treated politely and justice will be provided to them without any recommendation or influence.” The top cop further said that the entire Punjab police force has been conveyed to investigate each and every case without showing biasness or any personal religious attachment.
“Wall-chalking regarding sectarian slogans has been removed from across the province, and police officers concerned have been directed to promote religious harmony for peace and stability,” he stated. He claimed the ‘recommendation and bribery culture’ will be eliminated from the department as the provincial government has announced several projects for the betterment of police officers, especially the constables.
To a query regarding his own appointment being assumed to manipulate the upcoming general election in favour of the PML-N, Haji Habibur Rehman said he was never interested in this post at all. “My each action will be for the betterment of the general public.”
Quoting the Chief Minister’s orders, he said around 50 Model Town Police Stations have been established across the province where the justice would be provided on the spot. Besides registration of FIRs, these Model Police Stations will also monitor the performance of police officers and police stations concerned, he said, adding strict departmental action would be initiated against the responsible cops.