Zain-ul-Abideen Abid
In many parts of the world, people face difficulties in accessing justice and administrative services. The complex layers of bureaucracy and the gap between the public and authorities often feel unbridgeable. However, in Punjab, the government is making serious efforts to close this gap. In this province, the public has always been placed at the heart of governance.
Under the insightful leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial administration is taking notable steps to make people’s lives easier. Today, we shed light on the concept of police open courts.
In Punjab, “Police Open Courts” refers to the practical tradition of holding public hearings at police stations to listen to citizens’ complaints and issues, resolve disputes, and provide immediate relief. These are not formal judicial proceedings but a platform for direct contact between the police and the public, designed to address minor disputes or issues on the spot. Without a doubt, open courts give people direct access to senior police officials and allow the police to make decisions on the spot. These public forums enable citizens to present their complaints directly at the police station, aiming for mediation, guidance, and informal resolution without the formal court process—especially for those unfamiliar with or unable to access formal legal procedures.
According to the Prosecutor General of Punjab, these sessions usually deal with issues such as property disputes, petty thefts, or family quarrels. However, these are not part of the formal judicial system and have no legal authority to issue binding decisions. They are merely a supplementary mechanism to help police resolve public issues and build trust within the community. Furthermore, by resolving minor matters at an early stage, they also help reduce the burden on formal courts. Yet, there is always the risk that without transparency and fairness, such forums could be used for undue pressure or influence. Therefore, as the Prosecutor General stresses, there must be clear regulations and effective oversight to keep these sessions within ethical and legal boundaries. The Sindh High Court also maintains that a balance must be struck between facilitating access and protecting citizens’ legal rights.
Undoubtedly, police open courts are a people-friendly initiative aimed at improving police–public relations and offering accessible dispute resolution, but their success requires careful implementation and strict monitoring.
In this program, the Punjab Police—under the leadership of Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar—plays a key role. The police are often the first institution people approach in times of trouble. By participating in open courts, the police can address public issues promptly and provide on-the-spot relief.
Since their introduction, open courts have brought several benefits to Punjab’s citizens. First, they save time and effort in resolving issues. Instead of navigating multiple layers of bureaucracy, people can directly convey their concerns to the relevant officials. Second, transparency increases. When problems are discussed and solved in a public forum, the chances of corruption or misconduct diminish. Moreover, this system empowers the public by giving them a platform to speak openly, instilling confidence and a sense of participation.
The Punjab government is taking significant steps to improve both the police and judicial systems. Special focus is being placed on enhancing the capacity and responsiveness of the police force. Comprehensive training programs have been launched to equip officers with modern skills and knowledge. At the same time, advanced technology is being adopted to track crime trends and improve internal communication.
On the judicial side, the government is working to speed up legal processes, including reducing the backlog of pending cases. By streamlining procedures and increasing resources, it aims to ensure faster and more efficient case resolution. Additionally, the government is making legal assistance more accessible so that everyone has the right to fair representation. All these measures are being taken to build trust between the public and law enforcement, ensuring that justice is delivered promptly and fairly to every citizen.
As a journalist and columnist, I have repeatedly observed that whether it is the CPO’s open court in Multan or that of an SP-level officer, an ordinary citizen must first go through the instructions and screening process of the Complaint Cell in-charge or PRO before presenting their case directly. I myself have twice attended these courts disguised as an ordinary citizen, only to discover that while the claim is of an “open court,” in reality, the doors are closed. Reaching the CPO’s office requires navigating a long and complicated process.
What is even more disappointing is that a few sycophantic individuals posing as journalists—who publish exaggerated praise of the officers—face no obstacles at the CPO’s office door. Such preferential treatment not only undermines the very purpose of open courts but also damages public trust. The Inspector General of Punjab must take immediate notice of this situation to ensure transparent and non-discriminatory interaction between the public and the police. Currently, applicants at the CPO’s office cannot present their petitions directly to the competent officer. Only after long waiting periods and the recommendation of a reader, personal secretary, or complaint cell in-charge is a citizen granted an audience with the CPO.
Through this column, an appeal is made in the public interest to the Chief Minister of Punjab and the Inspector General of Punjab Police that to strengthen public and police confidence in the CPO Office Multan, a genuine open-door policy should be adopted, ensuring citizens can present complaints directly without unnecessary intermediaries or favoritism. An efficient token or appointment system, supported by a dedicated public facilitation desk, can streamline access and guide visitors transparently. Equal treatment for all must be enforced, with independent monitoring to oversee complaint handling and prevent undue influence. The introduction of a digital tracking system and public feedback channels will enhance accountability, while monthly performance reports can build trust through transparency. Additionally, regular staff training in public dealing and community–police dialogues across Multan will foster mutual respect, improve service delivery, and strengthen the bond between citizens and law enforcement.
Note: If any police officer or a designated spokesperson of Multan Police wishes to present their viewpoint on the contents of this article, the publication will be happy to print it.
The writer is senior journalist and he can be reached at [email protected]
