he May 3 incident, in which a German tourist was physically assaulted and robbed of cash and valuables in the provincial metropolis, embarrassed the authorities on international as well as domestic fronts. It didn’t reflect well on the local police, highlighting the need for reform.

At a time when the federal government is considering offering a number of facilities to foreigners, in a bid to boost tourism, the inadequacies of the police force could throw a spanner in the works.

The attack on the 27-year-old German tourist, named Berg Florian, took place near Allama Iqbal International Airport in the North Cantonment jurisdiction. Florian, a cyclist, told the police that he had set up camp near the airport where the robbers caught him, demanding money and rummaging through his belongings. Florian says he attempted to flee but one of the robbers grabbed him by the throat, hurt him physically and forced him to surrender his valuables.

The robbers made off with Florian’s camera, valued at $2,000, his earpods, an iPhone, some other digital devices and cash. The total estimated value of the stolen items was reported to be Rs 500,000.

Later, Florian sought the help of the Dolphin Force. When four cops arrived at the crime scene, they allegedly told him to forget about the incident and not talk to the media about it.

CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana has since ordered the arrest of the four cops for mishandling the incident. He has also initiated a departmental inquiry. More recently, three suspects were apprehended during a raid carried out in the Burki Road area.

Talking to TNS, DIG (Operations) Faisal Kamran, says, “We are fully aware of the fact that a polite, discreet and well equipped police force is the need of the hour. As the government is endeavouring to boost tourism, the city police are also taking steps to make Lahore a safe and secure place for not only the tourists but also for our citizens.”

DIG Faisal Kamran says it will take about a week to investigate the extent of negligence shown by the cops. “Once the inquiry is finished, strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”

Kamran further that it will take about a week to investigate the extent of negligence shown by the cops. “Once the inquiry is finished, strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

“Accountability is key to making the force perform better. That’s why our prime focus is on holding policemen accountable if they commit a mistake or are guilty of a crime,” he says.

“There’s no doubt that the police are the first responders following a crime and sometimes in emergency situations. If their conduct is not proper, or they mishandle the victim, it will tarnish the image of the entire department. Therefore, it is imperative that their behaviour is up to the mark, more so when the victim happens to be a foreigner.”

Kamran makes a special mention of “lectures [that are] delivered to the cops on a daily basis, in addition to refresher courses, on how to be courteous and respectful towards the citizens who reach out for help.”

He also talks of free registration of FIRs as a credible policy of the Punjab police which has “made things easier for the citizens who would earlier have to run from pillar to post to get complaints lodged in time.”

This scribe also spoke to SP Dolphin Force Shah Meer Khalid, who seconded Kamran: “There is no room for black sheep in the force. My message to my subordinates is loud and clear: while on duty, show respect to the law-abiding citizens. No laxity on their part shall be tolerated.”

Ahsan Zia is a print and broadcast journalist