LAHORE:
The Punjab Police has issued new directives requiring officials to obtain prior approval from the concerned Superintendent of Police (SP) before uploading any videos or content related to under-custody accused persons on social media.
The move comes after the Lahore High Court (LHC) expressed serious displeasure over repeated violations of its previous orders banning such public exposure of accused individuals before the completion of legal proceedings.
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, while appearing before the LHC on Tuesday, admitted that police officials had made a “major mistake” by uploading videos of detainees.
He tendered an unconditional apology, stating the act was regrettable and should not have occurred.
Justice Ali Zia Bajwa was presiding over the hearing on a contempt petition filed against senior police officials.
The case stems from a police raid on a dance party in Kasur, during which videos of under-custody accused were allegedly recorded and shared on social media in violation of the court’s December 13, 2023, order.
The court had previously barred the police from recording or broadcasting any content involving accused persons prior to the conclusion of judicial proceedings.
During the hearing, the SHO of the concerned police station submitted a written reply and also offered an apology. However, two constables involved in the matter requested additional time to submit their responses.
Justice Bajwa directly confronted officials regarding a disturbing statement caught on video, allegedly instructing officers to shave a woman’s head.
One officer denied responsibility, but the SP present confirmed the voice was indeed his.
Earlier, on April 14, Kasur DPO Essa Khan Sukhera conceded before the court that the police station in question had been in contact with the dance party organisers, even notifying them before the raid.
He also admitted that a weak First Information Report (FIR) was lodged to benefit the accused.
In a separate but related matter, the court also examined a video showing police officers shaving the heads of accused persons involved in aerial firing and kite flying. Justice Bajwa questioned DIG Kamran Faisal about this practice, who once again acknowledged wrongdoing and apologized.
“It’s good that you are arresting those involved in aerial firing,” Justice Bajwa remarked, “but how can such degrading treatment be allowed?”
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