Punjab Police have started compiling a list of officers allegedly involved in corruption and misconduct following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The province-wide exercise is focused on identifying officers whose conduct, service records or public reputation may raise concerns about their suitability for key policing positions.
Authorities are reviewing confidential reports and service records of station house officers (SHOs) serving in different districts across Punjab.
Confidential reports under review
As part of the scrutiny process, the Special Branch, police authorities and other relevant agencies have been directed to provide information about officers under investigation.
Authorities are also conducting confidential surveys among local residents to assess the performance, reputation and public conduct of SHOs posted in their respective areas.
The surveys are intended to provide authorities with information about how police officers are perceived by people in the communities where they serve.
Officials are collecting information from multiple sources before making any decision against an officer.
Verification before action
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran said no action would be taken until the information collected from different sources had been thoroughly verified.
The verification process is aimed at ensuring that officers are not penalised solely on the basis of unverified allegations or complaints.
Kamran said Punjab Police were strictly following the standard operating procedures issued by the Inspector General’s Office for the appointment of SHOs.
Under the policy, officers with a history of corruption cases would not be allowed to continue serving as SHOs.
Criminal records to be examined
Reports from various institutions, along with details of criminal records and corruption cases, are expected to be submitted to the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) on Monday.
The information will help senior police authorities assess officers who are currently serving in important positions across the province.
The scrutiny is expected to cover allegations of corruption, misconduct and other issues that could affect an officer’s ability to perform duties fairly and professionally.
Officials have stressed that information received from different agencies will be examined before any disciplinary measures are considered.
Zero-tolerance policy
Punjab Police officials said strict action would be taken against officers found involved in corruption under the force’s zero-tolerance policy.
The initiative is part of wider efforts to improve accountability within the police department and ensure that officers appointed to important positions meet the required standards of conduct.
The review of SHOs and their service records could also lead to changes in postings if officers are found unsuitable after the verification process.
Authorities are expected to continue examining confidential reports, public feedback and official records before final decisions are made.
The exercise signals a stronger focus on internal accountability within Punjab Police, with officials seeking to ensure that allegations of corruption and misconduct are properly investigated before action is taken.
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