RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Home Department has instructed the establishment of public liaison committees across the province.
According to media reports, deputy commissioners have been directed to form these committees at the police station level.
A spokesperson for the department stated that the committees will include community representatives and government officials, they will act as community watchdogs, with members responsible for identifying risks and reporting suspicious activities.
The committees will also serve as a bridge for communication between citizens and the police. The committees are expected to assist law enforcement during religious events, public gatherings, or emergencies, they will promote civic awareness at the local level and help build trust between citizens and authorities.
Additionally, the committees will support efforts to address terrorism and extremism. The department has outlined the structure and duties of the committees. In the first phase, committees will be established at every police station immediately.
ALSO READ | Punjab empowers private firms to deduct income tax directly from salaries
In the second phase, within three months, they will be extended to neighborhoods and wards. Each committee will include the local police officer, respected community members such as elders, traders, elected representatives, and religious leaders. Trusted youth and local social workers will also be involved.
Assistant commissioners and SDPOs will jointly chair monthly committee meetings. The committees will operate under district coordination committees, with monthly progress reviewed at the district level. District committees will send monthly reports to the provincial coordination committee at the Home Department.
The spokesperson added that the department has prioritized the formation of these committees and instructed that they be activated by April 20, with member details and action plans submitted to the Home Department.
The directive has been issued to all deputy commissioners, RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, and the CCPO Lahore. The Punjab Home Department will monitor the performance of all public liaison committees.
