LAHORE: Lahore Police has issued a new set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safeguard the safety and dignity of women at police stations after recent incidents at North Cantt and other stations.
DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran has circulated the directives to all SPs, SDPOs and SHOs, ordering their immediate and strict compliance.
Under the SOPs, women — whether complainants, witnesses or suspects — cannot be summoned to or held at police stations after sunset. All legal formalities involving them must be completed before dusk, after which they are to be allowed to leave.
A female police official, including a lady constable, Lady Shaheen officer or female investigating officer, must be present during the questioning or interrogation of any woman. Male officers are not permitted to question a woman alone.
In exceptional cases involving serious offences or other emergencies, a woman may be detained after sunset only with prior written approval from the concerned SP. She must then be kept in a designated women’s lock-up under the supervision of female staff. These areas will remain under continuous CCTV surveillance.
ALSO READ >>> >>> All nine Punjab boards declare Class 10 annual exam results
Police stations have also been directed to give immediate priority to complaints lodged by women and take prompt action without unnecessary delay.
DIG Kamran has warned that any violation of the SOPs will attract strict disciplinary action against the SHO and investigating officer under a zero-tolerance policy.
The measures are meant to improve procedures at police stations, provide better protection for women and strengthen public confidence in the force.
