Both Police and public are equally responsible for peace and security in the society. The KP police reforms are unprecedented and historic. KP police has introduced several significant police reforms in the recent years which have been institutionalized through KP Police Act 2017. The reforms are aimed at improving the public services of police and are mutually beneficial for both police and the communities. While the police is massively reforming itself, the unnecessary criticism should be avoided and the organization should not be criticized for the faults of individuals.
These were the remarks made by Dr. Ishtiaq Marwat, Additional IGP Investigation, during the closing ceremony of Ulasi Police project. Mr. Asad Qaiser, Speaker KP Assembly and Mr. Arif Yousaf, Advisor to CM, KP on Legal Affairs also spoke during the event. The project “Ulasi Police” was an awareness and advocacy campaign undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) – as part of USAID Small Grants and Ambassadors’ Fund Program – to strengthen the rule of law in KP province by promoting and disseminating the significant police reforms aimed at incorporating local communities’ policing needs and international human rights standards. The endeavor aims to tackle the trust deficit between the public and police, help KP police become an accountable and community-focused police force.
Dr. Ishtiaq Marwat said that as part of the ongoing reforms, the behavioral and attitudinal issue of the lower rank police officials was under active consideration and being addressed through several capacity building initiatives. The culture of police in KP is traditionally different than other provinces, it’s much friendlier having good relations with the public. He said that the interventions like Ulasi Police should also be extended to the southern parts of the province.
Mr. Arif Yousaf said that the KP police reforms also reflect the vision of provincial government to strengthen the institutions instead of individuals. The KP police reforms are aimed at promoting peace and justice in the society and benefitting the common citizens with community policing services. However, the cooperation of public is crucial for further improvements in this regard.
Mr. Asad Qaider – while addressing the media in the end – said his government had vowed to depoliticize the KP police and, provide justice to and empower the commoners, manifest in the KP Police Act 2017. He added the core considerations for reforms are increased operational autonomy, accountability and transparency.