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Tag: Punjab police

  • ASI suspended for assaulting foreign tourists in Sadiqabad

    ASI suspended for assaulting foreign tourists in Sadiqabad

    Update: The DPO in Sadiqabad issued an order for departmental action while suspending the ASI for misbehaving with a foreign cyclist.

    Explaining the incident, DPO Rahim Yar Khan Rizwan Omar Gondal said that 3 foreign cyclists entered Sadiqabad from Rahim Yar Khan limits from Sindh on Saturday and they were provided security as per SOP.


    The cyclists were adamant that no security should be provided to them, upon which the fight took place, says the DPO.

    According to the police spokesperson, the foreign cyclist sprayed the ASI in anger, on which the ASI slapped the foreign tourist.

    Moreover, departmental action is being taken against the concerned police official by suspending him for inappropriate behavior.

    Previously, it was reported three foreign tourists cycling in the Sadiqabad area of South Punjab have raised serious allegations of assault and sexual harassment against the Punjab police. They claim to have entered their jurisdictions on January 25.


    A video of the attack on the tourists surfaced on Saturday where a policeman was seen using foul language and snatching the camera from the one documenting it. It was one of many alleged assaults that the cycling tourists, namely Alex Sidney of Italy, Charlie West of the UK, and Motahhareh Abbasi of Iran, had been facing since they entered Punjab. They have always been having a Punjab police escort supposed to ensure their security but the police allegedly attacked them.


    Dawn talked to the tourists and the details narrated by them included horrific details of abuse and being manhandled brutally by a policeman, earlier identified as ASI Liaqat. Alex said the situation escalated as the officers reportedly grabbed him by the hair and subjected him to physical abuse.


    Regarding the version of police, the tourists were stopped from going to Kashmore, Sindh, an unsafe area, when the confrontation happened. However, Alex said they were not going towards Kashmore but Lahore. He said they had cycled in Sindh, mostly escorted by police, but did not face any such incident there. In Punjab, he claimed, they had taken the same route as was told by police. According to him, it was not the first assault by police. “We entered Punjab on January 25 and started having assaults and harassment from January 26. In earlier assaults, we were hit by police vehicles and motorcycles as they continued telling us that we were going the wrong way. We told them that we were going to a hotel on the national highway. They would try to knock us down.”
    Motahhareh said the policemen in Punjab would drive their vehicles or ride motorcycles very close to her, sometimes making her get off the road. “On January 26, I fell down and got injured when a policeman stopped his motorcycle suddenly in front of her. And it was quite deliberate. I fell down and injured my leg while my heavy bags fell on me.” Motahhareh later got medical treatment for her leg.


    About this alleged assault, Alex said they went to Ahmedpur Lamma Police Station and asked the policeman on the desk to register a complaint, but he refused to do so, asking them to take help from social media.


    Motahhareh also raised serious allegations of sexual harassment against police in Pakistan. “Many times, they asked me for my WhatsApp number and kept on insisting. When I asked them the reason, they would start insulting me. At the start I gave my phone number to some of them and they started asking for pictures and sending creepy messages. For the last one month, I have been receiving creepy messages from Pakistani policemen.” She alleged that policemen from all three provinces they travelled in harassed her and the situation was worse in Punjab.


    A policeman in Punjab held her hand forcibly for many minutes, said Alex. When asked whether there was a language barrier between the policemen and the tourists, Alex said some of the policemen spoke good English. “Whenever we stopped at some point to have a break, they would continue telling us it’s not safe here and it would be safe after a few kilometers. In fact, they wanted us to go out of their jurisdictions quickly but the next escort would do the same, telling us lies about the route as well.”


    Alex said they felt safer without police as the common Pakistanis were very good and hospitable towards them and added that many times in Sindh, they did not have police escort and it was very safe.


    Alex said they were staying in Sadiqabad near the site where they were assaulted by police as Motahhareh’s leg was recovering, rejecting the earlier police report that they had left the area for Lahore. He said he wanted to cycle through Punjab and meet the people who are very good. He said they felt safe when they were on their own without police and were in fact more in danger in presence of their escort, which ironically was there to protect them.
    Charlie West wanted to cycle separately towards Lahore as he rides it fast but the situation is unclear now.


    Police in Rahim Yar Khan and Sadiqabad have not provided their official version. However, Dawn’s sources in Rahim Yar Khan police said the tourists had left Sadiqabad hotel they were staying in on Saturday and now they were staying at a restaurant along a filling station in the middle of Sadiqabad and Rahim Yar Khan. The sources denied the allegations of assault but insisted that police escort was there for the tourists’ security.


    Alex started his travel on bicycle from Italy in 2022 and cycled through Europe during the last two years. He was joined by Mohtahhare in Tehran when he was travelling towards Pakistan. They entered Pakistan from the Balochistan-Iran border and cycled through Balochistan and Sindh. In Karachi, they were joined by Charlie West who landed in Karachi from the UK.

  • Dijikot: Man murders wife and step-daughter with axe over land dispute

    Dijikot: Man murders wife and step-daughter with axe over land dispute

    In a shocking incident of a domestic dispute, a man, accompanied by his brother, brutally murdered his wife and stepdaughter using an axe, reports The Express Tribune.


    City Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Ali Zia directed Superintendent Police (SP) Iqbal Town to provide a detailed report. He formed teams led by District Superintendent Police(DSP) Factory Area to apprehend the accused. Consequently, aids are being conducted actively.

    The incident unfolded in Chak 133 GB Niwan of Dijkot police station, where Zulfiqar Ali found himself entangled in a land dispute with his 47-year-old wife, Rukhsana Bibi.

    The dispute escalated into a violent quarrel, leading to Zulfiqar and his brother Iftikhar attacking Rukhsana and her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Iman Fatimah, with axes before fleeing the scene.

    Both mother and daughter succumbed to their injuries, losing their lives on the spot. In response to the double murder, SP Iqbal Town Usman Munir Safi, DSP Factory Area Rana Attaur Rehman, SHO Dijkot Moazzam Gujjar, and other law enforcement officers reached the scene promptly. They took the bodies, transported them to the hospital, and initiated a thorough investigation.

    DSP Factory Area, Rana Attaur Rahman, revealed that Rukhsana Bibi had been married to Zulfiqar for ten years, with two children from the union.
    Iman Fatima was the daughter of her ex-husband and fell victim to the axe attack by Zulfiqar and his brother Iftikhar. The couple had a history of frequent domestic disputes. The police are actively pursuing the accused in their efforts to bring them to justice.

  • Punjab is under security threat in upcoming elections, IG Punjab warns

    Punjab is under security threat in upcoming elections, IG Punjab warns

    Punjab Inspector General (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has said that there is a serious threat to the law and order situation in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8, Samma reported on Wednesday.

    The IGP talked to media after the inauguration of an art exhibition at Alhamhra Art Gallery, where he said that the police maintained the law and order situation during the festivities of Muharram and Christmas.

    “Many terrorist activities were foiled due to the conviction of the police,” he said.

    Usman Anwar stated that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is working on threats in Punjab, adding that police arrested 60 per cent of people last year who were involved in the May 9 riots.

    The IGP also claimed that the transfers and postings in the police department are being done at the direction of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

  • Shadab Khan appointed brand ambassador of Punjab Police

    Shadab Khan appointed brand ambassador of Punjab Police

    Punjab Police has appointed Shadab Khan, the all-rounder of the Pakistan Cricket Team, as its brand ambassador.

    Shadab Khan met Inspector General (IG) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, on this occasion the national cricketer was given the rank of honorary Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Shadab saluted and thanked IG Punjab for appointing an honorary DSP.

    While stating on social media, Shadab Khan said “I am happy that he is becoming a part of the Punjab Police, IG Punjab and police department made me honorary DSP. I am proud of it, I encourage my future generation to join government departments and serve the country.”

  • 19 children arrested on blasphemy charges in Punjab in 2023

    19 children arrested on blasphemy charges in Punjab in 2023

    Nineteen children have been arrested on charges of blasphemy across Punjab between January 1, 2023 and October 16, 2023.


    In an appeal submitted to the Punjab Information Commission by the director of Legal Awareness Watch, Sarmad Ali, it was revealed by the Inspectorate General of Punjab Prisons that 19 minors were arrested out of whom six are in prison while the rest have been released, The News has reported.

    Sarmad Ali explained to The News that several children in the country are facing charges carrying severe punishment. Some of these children are not even allowed to maintain their juvenility as explained by the law. Under Section 8 of the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, he explained, “Thus, owing to inadequate and effective implementation of [the] cited law which was promulgated in May 2018, many children have been [held] without fair trial or [have been] sentenced to severe punishment in sheer ignorance of the international standards and conventions which the state of Pakistan is signatory to.”


    The law also explains that children-even if dangerous-must be given their due rights. Sarmad added, “Children that are accused of having infringed any penal law must not be treated as adults as they cannot foresee the consequences of their actions.”

  • Transgenders in Rajanpur get driving licences

    Transgenders in Rajanpur get driving licences

    Traffic Police of Rajanpur have issued Rickshaw and Motobike licences to the transgender community, paving the way for them to earn a respectable livelihood.

    Members of the transgender community were trained to ride motorcycles and rickshaws by police personnel before they were issued licences. It was a moment of joy for the community members as they were made fun of when they used to come for the training but upon receiving the licence, they can now claim a respectable job as drivers or even get a vehicle of their own.

    This is not the first such incident in Rajanpur but a continuation of the efforts carried out by the Punjab Police which is running multiple driving schools all across the Punjab. Seeing the success of the project the number of driving schools have been increased from 32 to 64.

    https://streamable.com/o28mzh
  • IG Punjab orders aggressive action against electricity thieves costing nation Rs600 billion annually 

    IG Punjab orders aggressive action against electricity thieves costing nation Rs600 billion annually 

    Inspector-General Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, has directed top police officials in Punjab, including Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs), to intensify efforts against anti-national and anti-social elements involved in electricity theft, which is causing a staggering annual loss of Rs600 billion to the national treasury. 

    In a special video message, Dr Usman Anwar emphasised that Punjab Police’s crackdown on electricity thieves has gained momentum, with over 1,000 cases registered daily, spanning the entire province, including Lahore. This financial loss surpasses the cumulative losses from 15 years of various crimes, such as dacoity and robbery, across Punjab. 

    According to Business Recorder, Dr Usman Anwar clarified that the scale of this theft far outweighs other criminal activities and assured that, following the directives of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab, there will be no leniency for those involved in electricity theft. Offenders, regardless of their methods, will face legal consequences. 

    He expressed concern that innocent citizens must bear the financial burden of others’ theft, emphasising that no one will be allowed to rob citizens of their hard-earned money. Dr Usman Anwar urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement, district administrations, and relevant institutions by reporting electricity theft in their areas to accelerate actions against these elements harming the nation’s financial interests. 

  • May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    May 9 attack; Imran Khan charged with ‘criminal conspiracy’

    The Punjab police have pressed charges of ‘criminal conspiracy’ against Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), and all other suspects in May 9 cases across the province. Official sources have disclosed to Dawn that a total of 50 cases were registered, encompassing charges under anti-terrorism and other relevant laws. Among these, 14 cases were filed in various police stations in Lahore and Rawalpindi, while nine were recorded in Sargodha, seven in Sheikhupura, five in Faisalabad, and one in Gujranwala.

    Moreover, the Punjab police have recently added offenses under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or aiding such efforts against Pakistan), 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to influence a soldier, sailor, or airman from their duty), and 146 (rioting) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) to the FIRs.

    Dr. Anoosh Masood Chaudhry, Lahore SSP (Investigation), while talking to the media, revealed that the police have also incorporated certain offenses/sections, including 34 and 120b of the PPC, into the May 9 cases.

    Section 34 reads: “Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. When a criminal act is done by several persons, in furtherance of the common intention of all, each such person is liable for that act in the same manner as if it were done by him alone.”

    Section 120b states: “Whoever is a party to a criminal conspiracy to commit an offence punishable with death, imprisonment for life or rigorous imprisonment for a term of two years or upwards, shall, where no express provision is made in this Code for the punishment of such a conspiracy, be punished in the same manner as if he had abetted such offence.”

    As per the Lahore police’s investigation, Dr. Chaudhry stated that there appears to be substantial evidence confirming incitement to mutiny and the planning of vandalism on May 9.

    Responding to a question regarding Imran Khan’s presence at the crime scene, she emphasized that it is immaterial whether he was physically there or not, as evidence suggests that he incited the suspects to carry out violent attacks on sensitive installations of the Pakistan Army.

    Dr. Chaudhry further noted that the prosecution and police are awaiting final reports from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) concerning videos and other evidence related to the planners and perpetrators of the May 9 incidents. She assured that all objections raised by the prosecution have been addressed, and the challans for the May 9 cases will be submitted to the courts of law after receiving reports from the FIA and Pemra.

  • Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police says officer seen beating journalist is mentally ill, receiving treatment

    Punjab Police have said in an official statement that their constable filmed beating a journalist, is mentally ill.

    The video shows a police officer on a motorcycle being stopped by a journalist and questioned about the missing number plate of his vehicle. Upon confrontation, the policeman slaps the journalist. Later, he hits out at other people who tried to stop the feud. The video stoked outrage on social media, with many users condemning the brutality displayed by the officer and demanding that strict action be taken.

    Punjab Police have released a statement on their Twitter account, while Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has also addressed the violent feud, saying that the police officer in question is a constable who is mentally ill, and is currently being provided treatment.

    The constable has also been taking absences from his work, the police have said.

    The IGP went on to talk about the launch of an initiative that involves psychosocial profiles of 200 police officers across the province, reassuring constables that the purpose of these measurements was to ensure that they were all screened against 10 conditions and that it will provide counselling and treatment to affected employees.

  • 1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    1124: The helpline you should know about for assistance during emergencies, accidents

    Bringing attention to a little-known emergency lifeline, popular TikToker Jannat Mirza and her father, a police officer, have teamed up to spread awareness about the significance of dialling 1124 during accidents—an alternative to the widely recognised 1122 emergency number.

    Jannat Mirza, celebrated for her engaging content and impactful messages on social media, is stepping up her influence to highlight the importance of the 1124 emergency helpline. In a recent video, she shared her personal experiment evaluating the responsiveness of the 1124 service.

    “I put the 1124 helpline to the test,” Jannat Mirza revealed to her followers. “I was genuinely surprised by the quick response I received.” She recounted a simulation where she mimicked an accident scenario and dialled 1124. Almost instantly, a responsive team was dispatched and promptly arrived at the specified location.

    Emphasising the critical role of the 1124 helpline, Jannat Mirza’s father, an experienced police officer, stated, “While many are familiar with 1122, being aware of 1124 is equally crucial. The goal is to offer timely assistance, and this helpline allows us to do precisely that.”

    The collaborative video by Jannat Mirza and her father aims to bridge the information gap surrounding emergency services.

    Given that accidents can occur unexpectedly, knowing the appropriate channels to seek help is imperative. Jannat Mirza’s firsthand encounter and her father’s professional insights collectively underscore the efficiency of the 1124 emergency helpline. By sharing their experience, they aspire to motivate individuals across Pakistan to familiarise themselves with this vital service, potentially safeguarding lives.

    About 1124 service

    In 2007, a centralised 24/7 call centre helpline, 1124, was established to receive calls from citizens all across Punjab. These incoming calls trigger a rapid response mechanism from Punjab Highway Patrol (PHP) posts, and, in areas without PHP presence, Punjab Police is dispatched to assist the individual in need. This comprehensive service encompasses immediate assistance in cases of vehicle breakdowns, other emergencies, crimes against oneself or reported by a third party, traffic regulation and management concerns, accident response, and facilitating rescue and evacuation to nearby medical facilities.

    Moreover, this helpline serves as a vital platform for registering inputs in various domains and subsequently relaying the data to relevant authorities. One notable application is reporting fire hazards within residential areas. The call centre incorporates advanced features, including call recording, routing, interactive voice response (IVR), and other cutting-edge functionalities, to efficiently manage calls from citizens throughout Punjab. Importantly, this helpline can be dialled without the need for an area code, streamlining access to timely assistance.