The District Nazim

The District Nazim has been assigned powers to regulate and check any police working detrimental to the interest of general public. He/she has been given the power to enforce the provisions of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code at his/her own discretion, visit the police stations, check illegal detentions, order registration of First Information Report (FIR) and direct the head of police to take appropriate action. Under the police order and the Local Government Ordinance, he has been envisaged as the head of district government and responsible to ensure law and order. In this regard, he has been given the power to evaluate the performance of the head of police, although the required amendment in rules has not yet been stipulated. Evidently, Nazims are not exercising these powers assigned to them to redress people's grievances against police misconduct.

This maybe owing to the desire on their part to maintain good relations with the head of police  to serve their own political needs, or lack of government support and the absence of provincial public bodies to support their actions. The Nazims are yet to demonstrate their commitment to enforce their legally endowed powers to check the police and redress citizens’ grievances. The Nazim’s should have actually supported strengthening local accountability by getting appointment of District Police Officer (DPO/ Tehsil Police Officer (TPO) confirmed (ratified) by the District/Tehsil Council through a special resolution to screen out appointees with corrupt and criminal record. Ideally, the District. Tehsil Council should be able to choose from three nominees for a post. Similarly, the TPO/TPO should be removable for poor performance and other wrongdoings by special resolution of the relevant Council.