LAHORE:
The Superior Court of Lahore (LHC) has ordered the General Defensor of Punjab (AGP) to supervise the formulation and implementation of the Social Network Policy of the Punjab Police, amid the growing concerns about the public humiliation of the subcuster accused through online videos.
During the procedures on Thursday, Judge Ali Zia Bajwa instructed the AGP to provide appropriate guidelines to the Police Department regarding behavior in social networks.
In addition, the Court ordered the Additional Inspector (AIG) of the Police to issue strict protocols for giving media interviews, warning that police superintendents (SP) will be concerned will be responsible if an official is found to violate these directives.
The directives are produced following multiple incidents in which police officers were found by making videos of subcuscated individuals, including women, during the raids, shaving the chiefs of the suspects and uploading said content on social media platforms.
Judge Bajwa questioned the long -term impact of such media trials, commenting: “What would be the destiny of the judgment of a person if it is acquitted after two years?”
The Court has requested a comprehensive report on the Social Network Policy of the Police Department before April 25.
The LHC was listening to multiple contempt requests against police officers, including a case that involved a raid at a dance party in Kasur, during which the police filmed and uploaded videos of arrested people, including women.
In another case, videos arose that show suspects, supposedly involved in flying in comets and aerial shots, with the officers affected by the officers.
Despite a clear directive of the LHC on December 13, 2023, strictly prohibiting recording or public exchange of interviews or videos of subcuscated individuals before legal procedures, violations have persisted.
During Thursday’s hearing, the AIG presented a research report confirmed that a house officer (SHO) and two agents were declared guilty of misconduct.
It was also revealed that the Personal Personnel (PSO) officer of the District Police officer (DPO) Kasur was the intellectual author behind the controversial incursion of the dance party.
