Murad calls for good governance within police to ensure justice

Addressing the Association of Former Inspectors General of Police (AFIGP) on Thursday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasised the urgent need for governance within the police force to ensure justice, neutrality and public service on top of its community policing.

“There is a dire need to align police operations with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of discipline, impartiality and service to the nation instead of bringing drastic reforms,” Shah said at the AFIGP Annual Conference on ‘Police Reforms: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities’ at the Central Police Office.

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon, 40 retired provincial police chiefs, serving senior police officers, and members of civil society also attended the event.

The CM said Jinnah believed that the police are servants of the public, not their masters. Therefore, he added, the police force must maintain neutrality, justice and discipline to strengthen governance. He invited former police chief for further discussions over tea to deliberate on bridging gaps in the police system.

He acknowledged that reforms in the Police Act are essential, saying that if everything had been perfect, we would not be working on reforms today. He also said that instead of reforms, the police need governance, capacity-building, and community policing methods and attitudes.

Discussing independence and accountability, he stressed the importance of keeping the police free from external pressures — whether they are political, financial or religious. He, however, highlighted the necessity of oversight, noting that supervision is vital because the police are a service, not a force. “Accountability ensures that wrongful actions are scrutinised.”

He remarked that whenever the government recommends the posting of any officer or policeman, the recommended officer is often characterised as lacking integrity. “The integrity issues lie with police officers, not the government.”

Regarding policymaking and operational freedom, he clarified that policymaking is the government’s responsibility, while day-to-day operations should remain with the police. He pointed out that former officers can contribute to policy discussions, but the ultimate responsibility rests with the government.

Speaking on the role of civil society, he emphasised its importance in supporting better policing and ensuring transparency. On judicial oversight, he expressed concerns about judicial orders that disrupt governance, urging the judiciary to consider their implications on the conditions on ground.

He cited examples where a police chief was removed in the past, and currently, the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre’s executive director has been barred from working, without consideration for how the largest health facility in the country would function.

Discussing commitment to public service, he reiterated that police uniforms symbolise public service. “The primary duty of the police is to serve the people, not to assert authority over them.”

In comparing the police service with the armed forces, he remarked: “Unlike the armed forces, police promotions are less structured. However, merit must be the cornerstone of advancements in the police system.”

He concluded by calling for a collective effort from the government, police and civil society to enhance governance and public service. “The vision of Quaid-e-Azam provides us with a clear roadmap: discipline, accountability and impartiality must guide the police force.”

Lanjar remarked that the Police Order 2022 is significantly better than the police order introduced by General Musharraf. He said that as a minister, he has granted freedom to the provincial police chief in all his decisions.