New instructions issued alongside renewed focus on women’s safety following recent misconduct case
LAHORE: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore Muhammad Faisal Kamran has directed police officers to ensure that no woman remains at any police station in the city after Maghrib, stating that the measure is intended to safeguard women’s dignity and ensure respectful treatment.
The directive was issued during a crime control meeting with officers of Lahore’s City Division, where the DIG instructed officials to treat all women with the utmost respect, regardless of whether they are complainants or accused persons.
According to the instructions, police officers must complete the required legal procedures involving women before sunset and make appropriate arrangements to avoid their presence at police stations during the evening hours.
The decision comes amid growing public concern over crimes against women and renewed scrutiny of policing practices in the provincial capital.
Directive follows alleged assault by police officer
The announcement follows the recent arrest of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Imran, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman with a reported mental health condition in Lahore’s Ghaziabad area.
According to police, the woman had left her home and failed to return for several hours. Her family later learned from a local resident that a plain-clothes police officer had taken her away on a motorcycle.
The victim subsequently alleged that the officer transported her to another location, where the assault took place. Police registered a First Information Report (FIR), while DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza ordered an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation into the case.
Calls for stronger protection measures
While police officials said the latest directive aims to protect women’s dignity, some critics argued that law enforcement agencies should focus on ensuring safe and secure access to police stations at all hours rather than limiting women’s presence after dark.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has repeatedly emphasized that the protection of women and children remains a top government priority. She has directed police to respond to emergency calls from women through the 15 helpline within 15 minutes and ensure that FIRs are registered within 24 hours.
Authorities say efforts to strengthen accountability, improve police conduct and enhance public confidence will continue alongside broader reforms aimed at improving women’s safety across Punjab.
