Punjab police's accountability branch assigned ‘key role to purge force of corruption’

LAHORE: The Punjab Police senior command has reorganized the Internal Accountability Branch (IAB) to spearhead the anti-corruption campaign within the police force, following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. During a high-level meeting chaired by IGP Abdul Kareem, key decisions were made to empower the IAB and ensure it could effectively tackle corruption across all ranks of the police.

The IGP assigned the IAB DIG the task of reviewing daily complaints against police officials ranging from sub-inspector to higher ranks. Previously, corruption allegations were sent back to districts, but the new policy directs inquiries to regional SPs, eliminating the chance for guilty officials to sway the system in their favor.

The meeting also resolved to reopen complaints where the complainant was unwilling to pursue, conduct fresh inquiries, and mark investigation-related complaints to SP rank for further action. The IAB DIG will monitor disciplinary actions, and the branch will be financially autonomous to perform duties independently. The meeting also aimed to strengthen the accountability system, enhance the IAB's capacity, and make the zero-tolerance policy against corruption more effective.