LAHORE: Introducing reforms in ‘thana culture’ (police culture), the Punjab Police have for the first time installed surveillance cameras in prison cells to avoid incidents of tortures.

Punjab Police Inspector General Captain (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan said close circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been installed in prison cells of all 722 police stations across the province.

The cameras have been installed following the rising complaints of torture on suspects inside lock ups. Police said rights of suspects could be ensured through installation of the cameras.

The IG also directed the relevant police officers to integrate the system with central police office’s monitoring and control room for effective monitoring of these cameras.

He directed the regional and district police officers to undertake the process of installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations of the districts and ranges under their supervision without any delay and all RPOs should ensure 24/7 monitoring of these cameras.

Arif Nawaz Khan expressed displeasure on illegal detention of citizens and abuse of powers by police officers and officials and said that the high handedness and power abusers would not remain part of the police force and such officers and officials should be ready for strict disciplinary actions.

“Field officers should ensure zero tolerance by taking steps against officials responsible for torture under police custody and also make them accountable for this,” he said.