Events

29th June, 2010

With the help of our TNN Punjab Coordinator, we have started a program in Toba Tek Singh aimed to curb corruption by building bridges between the citizen and the police. The program “Say No to Corruption” in collaboration with the Police Department, selected three police stations in each Tehsil (sub-district) of Toba Tek Singh. It is a part of ALAC’s advocacy campaign.

We have targeted this department due to following reasons:

1. According to the National Corruption Perception Survey (NCPS) 2010, the police department was perceived to be the most corrupt department in the country.

2. Keeping in view the current law and order situation of the country, we think that a strong relationship between the citizens and the police department will certainly be very helpful.

3. ALAC receives considerable number of complaints against the police. There is also a perception that many complaints against the police are not reported.

In a session held on September 30 2011, a police official addressed the attendants and said that the police are functioning to serve and protect the public, instead of ruling over them. He spoke on the subject of ‘Rule of Law’. He further talked about the ‘People’s Right for Registering a First Information Report (FIR)’ without bribing or without fear or reluctance. He said,

“Our policemen sacrifice their lives for the safety of the public more than any other public department; they don’t spend their time marking this department with the highest volume of corruption.”

He requested the public for their collaboration to adopt a friendly attitude towards the police and assisting in its result-oriented work. He gave his cell number and that of the District Police Officer so that the public can have easy access to the senior officials. He headed the Program on behalf of the DPO & DCO of Toba Tek Singh.

Another speaker, an advocate, elaborated the importance of peace and tolerance. He said that we do not have the required temperament resulting in confrontation – even physical assault/fighting among individuals/families. These quarrels start over minor issues that then become the main causes that overburden the police and the judiciary. Because of this, the police and judiciary’s precious time gets wasted. He advised people to promote peace and tolerance so that the police may channel their resources and energies on development instead of wasting them on petty, solvable issues.

For the implementation of advocacy and bringing broader reforms, engagement with public institution plays an important role.

This is why, due to our advocacy campaign in Toba Tek Singh Punjab, the District Police Officer (DPO) and District Coordination Officer (DCO) of Toba Tek Singh assured their full support to our cause.

They directed their subordinates to cooperate with TI-P’s representatives and play their part to make the program a success.

The program will continue in the month of October 2011. ALAC has been requested by the Police Department and the citizens to develop this program in the remaining eight police stations of the districts as well.