Punjab police introduce mandatory three forms before conducting raid

2026-02-23 - 10:24

LAHORE – In a move under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s police reforms, the Punjab police have introduced three mandatory forms that officers must complete and obtain written approval for before conducting any raids. The newly implemented system requires police to fill out a “Permission for Raid” form, an “Arrest Form” and an “Investigation Guidelines” form. These system-based forms have been rolled out across all police stations in Punjab, including Lahore. These forms aims to curb torture and fatalities in police custody. The system is also expected to reduce violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during police operations, promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement. During a raid, the police team must document the case number, details of the suspect and information about the vehicle used. All entries are required to be signed by the officers involved. The arrest form includes information on the suspect’s medical conditions, any signs of physical abuse, and the provision of medications. The investigation guidelines form records details of the crime scene, investigating officer, collected evidence, and the questions asked during the investigation. CM Maryam announces three-month timeline for Punjab police reforms Last week, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a comprehensive plan for police reforms in the province, setting a three-month timeline for implementation. During a special meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, a detailed review of ongoing reforms was conducted, and the Inspector General of Police along with senior officials were instructed to ensure immediate action. The meeting decided that “pink buttons” would be installed outside police stations for speedy complaint resolution. Video and audio recording of the investigation process would be made mandatory. An online FIR tracking system would be introduced, and citizens will be able to file FIRs online for lost identity cards and official documents. CM Maryam Nawaz directed that a minimum of 10 police officers at each station will be equipped with body cameras, with funds already approved for the initiative. Across Punjab, 14,000 body cameras and 700 pink buttons will be installed. The Chief Minister also instructed that police officers address every citizen respectfully, using “Sir/Madam,” and ensure minor complaints are resolved within two to three hours. She emphasized ending misconduct at checkpoints and eliminating the abusive “Oye culture.” Officials briefed that overall crime in Punjab has decreased by 48 percent, while major crimes have fallen by up to 80 percent. Negative feedback due to the previous 80-minute response time has significantly reduced. In cities like Sahiwal and Gujrat, calls related to major crimes are now almost negligible. CM Maryam Nawaz said the police should instill fear only in criminals, not the public. She stressed that offenders involved in crimes against children will receive no leniency, and mobile police stations will address women’s complaints directly at their doorsteps. The CM emphasized ethics, training, and grooming within the police force, warning that corruption at higher levels will impact behavior at police stations. “No citizen is a VIP,” she stated firmly. For traffic management improvements, lane marking, awareness campaigns, the Traffic Police One App, and the Safe City Monitoring App will be introduced. She instructed officials to prepare short-term, mid-term, and long-term reform plans, adding, “If not now, police reforms will never be possible.” The Punjab CM also directed the IGP and other officers to personally gather public feedback and stressed strict, impartial enforcement of the law to restore public confidence in the system. Actress Momina Iqbal praises CM Maryam for Punjab’s progress, urges attention for Karachi