Faiz Muhammad
CHARSADDA: Newly appointed District Police Officer (DPO) Charsadda, Rifatullah Khan, has announced a comprehensive campaign against drug trafficking, illegal land grabbers and organised crime, saying he will wage an uncompromising fight to restore law and order in the district.
Speaking to members of the Mohmandzai Union of Journalists (Registered), Charsadda, at his office on Monday, the DPO said the police would adopt a zero-tolerance policy against criminal elements and ensure that Charsadda remained a peaceful and secure district.
“I will not merely take action against the drug mafia and land grabbers; I will fight a relentless battle against them,” he said, adding that anti-social and criminal elements would find no place in the district.
Mr Khan said he had imposed a complete ban on the entry of touts into police stations and prohibited the functioning of private jirgas for the settlement of disputes. He urged citizens to approach the District Reconciliation Committee (DRC) instead, saying the forum provided a more transparent, lawful and impartial mechanism for resolving disputes.
The DPO said strengthening trust and coordination between the police and the public would remain one of his top priorities. He added that all station house officers (SHOs) had been directed to remain available at their respective police stations for at least two hours daily to personally hear public complaints and ensure prompt redressal of grievances.
Describing Charsadda as a district of “brave and honourable Pashtuns,” Mr Khan said safeguarding the lives and property of residents and providing them with a peaceful environment was the foremost responsibility of the police.
He also highlighted the role of the media, describing journalists as the “eyes, ears and voice of society.” He urged media professionals to contribute towards eliminating social evils and promoting awareness against crime and anti-social activities.
The DPO claimed that international criminal networks and drug trafficking groups had links within Charsadda and said police investigations were underway to identify those involved. “These networks will soon be exposed and those responsible will be brought before the law,” he said.
Referring to the government’s policy regarding undocumented Afghan nationals, Mr Khan said a strict operation had been launched in the district. He said that in the first phase of the campaign, 62 Afghan nationals had already been deported, while further action was continuing in accordance with government directives.
He said police had also initiated action against the public display of weapons and the land-grabbing mafia, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to challenge the writ of the state.
Mr Khan announced that open public forums, or khuli katcheries, would be organised at police station level to hear public complaints at their doorstep and improve communication between citizens and law enforcement authorities.
Calling the public his “strength and partners,” the DPO appealed to residents to cooperate with police in maintaining peace and eliminating crime, saying effective policing was only possible through close collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the media and the community.
Leave a Reply