By: Dr. Mirza MB Qamar / ANI
LAHORE –Punjab Police has decided to revamp its Internal Accountability Branch (IAB) to make it more autonomous, stronger and effective, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem chaired an important meeting at the Central Police Office, where measures to strengthen the ongoing campaign against departmental corruption and improve the accountability mechanism were reviewed.
Addressing the meeting, IG Punjab said a zero-tolerance policy against departmental corruption was being implemented to ensure transparency, merit and accountability in the police department. He said the IAB would be further strengthened, activated and given greater autonomy.
The IG directed that the IAB would also use information received from the Special Branch in the accountability process. DIG IAB would personally review daily complaints received against Sub-Inspectors and officers of higher ranks.
He further directed that Regional SPs of the IAB would themselves conduct inquiries into corruption, corrupt practices and other irregularities involving Sub-Inspectors and senior officers. Such inquiries would not be referred to the concerned districts or regions.
IG Punjab said complaints against police personnel that had been disposed of on the basis of “Not Willing to Pursue” would be reopened, with formal inquiries conducted wherever necessary.
He directed that complaints related to investigations be marked at the SP level for further action, while DIG IAB would closely monitor disciplinary proceedings arising from IAB inquiries.
To make the accountability and inquiry system more effective, the post of AIG Inquiries would be restored. The IG also directed that all vacant posts of Regional SPs and DSPs in the IAB be filled on a priority basis.
He said appropriate funds and additional budget would be provided to make the IAB financially autonomous, enabling its officers to perform their duties independently of field units.
IG Punjab said an effective accountability mechanism would help eliminate corruption and irregularities from the police department and ensure greater transparency and accountability.
The meeting expressed resolve to further strengthen the Internal Accountability Branch and ensure effective implementation of the zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
Additional IG Punjab Imran Arshad, Additional IG Internal Accountability Branch Imran Mehmood, DIG Headquarters Dr. Muhammad Abid Khan, DIG IT Mansoor-ul-Haq Rana, AIG Inspection, AIG Complaint, AIG Admin & Security and other senior officers attended the meeting.
