September 27: No One Will Be Allowed to Engage in Vandalism, Strict Action to Follow, Punjab IG
LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim has said that no one will be allowed to engage in vandalism on September 27 and strict action will be taken against those who violate the law.
Speaking to the media outside the court, the Punjab IG said he wanted to make it clear that violations of the law would be dealt with firmly. “No one will be allowed to indulge in vandalism on September 27. Anyone intending to hold a protest should seek permission from the relevant deputy commissioner,” he said.
He added that, to his knowledge, no one had submitted an application seeking permission to hold a protest.
The Punjab IG said there would be no discriminatory action against anyone and maintained that the police had an effective system of internal accountability.
Responding to allegations of vandalism at homes, Rao Abdul Karim said the allegations were incorrect. However, he added that anyone having a complaint regarding vandalism at their residence could approach the police complaint cell.
Earlier, the Punjab IG appeared before the Lahore High Court in compliance with a court order in connection with a contempt petition against Chuhang police officials.
Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition and questioned the IG about whether he had examined the FIR. She remarked that the FIR was difficult to read even with glasses and directed that at least a standard font should be used.
The IG informed the court that the police had sought assistance from the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in this regard.
The chief justice questioned whether the court was expected to read or decipher the FIRs, observing that reducing a three-page document to one page resulted in an unnecessarily small font. She remarked that efforts to save paper had affected readers’ eyesight.
The court directed the Punjab IG to introduce a uniform font for FIR registration across the province and sought a compliance report in September. Justice Aalia Neelum observed that the task was not difficult and should be completed within a day or two.
