The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab government to notify the Provincial Public Safety Commission (PPSC) and District Public Security Commissions within 30 days. This directive comes after years of delays and inaction by both the elected and caretaker governments, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in policing matters. The court issued a six-page detailed order in response to a public interest petition highlighting the ongoing failure to implement Section 37 of the Police Order 2002, which mandates the establishment of these crucial oversight bodies. According to the submitted report, the caretaker government had deferred the matter to the newly elected government, a move deemed by the court as "incompetent and a blatant postponement of legal responsibility." Justice Shahid Jamil Khan, who authored the judgment, strongly emphasized the importance of these commissions in ensuring effective public oversight of police conduct and promoting reforms within the force. He pointed out that despite the Police Order's clear provisions, "no Public Safety Commission has been constituted since the enforcement of the order."

The court further criticized the disregard shown by both elected and caretaker governments towards this critical legal obligation. "If a public authority is not fulfilling its responsibility, it is violating the law and the constitution," the judgment stated. It further lamented the lack of "continuity of elected representation" in the country, which has contributed to the persistent delays and lack of progress. In a decisive move, the Lahore High Court ordered the immediate implementation of Section 37 of the Police Order 2002. It directed the government to bring the representatives of the last local governments on board to expedite the formation of these essential commissions. This directive sends a strong message to the government, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to the rule of law in matters related to public safety and police reform. The court's decision has been hailed by civil society groups and legal experts as a significant step towards improving police accountability and transparency in Punjab. It remains to be seen whether the government will comply with the court's order and finally fulfill its legal obligation to establish the Public Safety Commissions within the stipulated timeframe.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)