The Punjab government has put forward a proposal to rename police stations across the province as part of broader efforts to reform the police system and address the entrenched “thana culture.” The initiative aims to modernize the image of police stations and make them more approachable for the public.
Government sources revealed that the proposal intends to replace the colonial-era term “thana,” which has been in use for over 150 years, with the new designation “public safety centers.” The plan is pending final approval from the provincial cabinet before implementation can begin. Once approved, the authorities will follow the necessary constitutional and legal procedures to carry out the renaming across Punjab’s law enforcement infrastructure.
Currently, Punjab has over 500 police stations and about 100 police check posts. Officials explained that the term “thana” has long been associated with fear and intimidation, discouraging citizens from visiting police stations to report crimes or seek justice. By renaming them, the government hopes to foster a more welcoming environment and encourage people to engage with law enforcement without hesitation.
The proposal is reportedly being seriously considered by the PML-N government, which sees it as a symbolic step toward improving public-police relations. Advocates argue that updating terminology could help shift public perception and make police stations appear as centers for service rather than authority alone.
However, some legal experts and members of the bar expressed skepticism about the initiative. District Bar President Sardar Manzar Bashir, Assistant Attorney General Masood Shah, and secretary candidate Mehran Ejaz Anwar Chaudhry stressed that real reform depends on improving police conduct, accountability, and public interaction, rather than merely changing the names of stations. They cautioned that meaningful progress requires systemic and behavioral changes alongside any rebranding efforts.
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The renaming proposal reflects the government’s attempt to modernize law enforcement and enhance public trust, though its success will depend on complementary reforms within the police system itself.
