The Punjab government has initiated a major reform drive in the Punjab Police through the launch of the “Maryam Ka Insaf” project, signaling a decisive move to strengthen accountability, professionalism, and public trust in law enforcement.
Citizen Complaints Trigger Reforms
The initiative follows the receipt of over 58,000 complaints from citizens, exposing systemic weaknesses in policing practices across the province. Officials emphasized that these grievances necessitated urgent reforms to improve the criminal justice system and restore confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Key Measures Under the “Maryam Ka Insaf” Project
The government has introduced a comprehensive framework focusing on police accountability, transparency, and operational integrity. Key measures include:
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Zero-Tolerance Policy: Flawed investigations, delays in case disposal, and negligence will no longer be tolerated.
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Accountability Mechanism: Officers found guilty of misconduct or mistreatment of citizens will face immediate action.
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Video Recording of Operations: All police raids, arrests, and official operations will be recorded to ensure transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
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Revised SOPs: Standard Operating Procedures for arrests, raids, and enforcement actions are being updated to curb misuse of authority.
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Direct Complaint Redress: Gazetted officers will be responsible for handling citizen complaints promptly.
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Performance Review: The Punjab Police will undergo a review of the last two years’ performance records, with disciplinary action applied where standards fall short.
Objectives of the Reform Initiative
The “Maryam Ka Insaf” project is designed to:
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Enhance public trust in Punjab Police.
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Promote professionalism and accountability within law enforcement.
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Ensure timely resolution of citizen complaints and protection of human rights.
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Foster a transparent policing culture through monitoring and standardized procedures.
Officials stated that these reforms mark the beginning of a new era for Punjab Police, with a clear focus on efficiency, citizen protection, and ethical policing.
