Khanewal (Big Digit) DPO Khanewal holds ‘hat-trick’ of open courts in Kacha Khoh, Mian Channu and DSP Office

Khanewal (Big Digit) DPO Khanewal holds ‘hat-trick’ of open courts in Kacha Khoh, Mian Channu and DSP Office — vows swift redressal of citizens’ grievances
Initiative aligned with Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz’s vision of people-friendly policingIn line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision to ensure accessible justice and improve public trust in the police, District Police Officer (DPO) Khanewal, Ismail Kharrak, has held three consecutive open courts — at Kacha Khoh, Mian Channu and the DSP Office Mian Channu — in what local observers described as a “hat-trick of public outreach sessions.”

A large number of citizens attended the sessions, where the DPO personally heard individual complaints, directed immediate redressal in several cases, and ordered formal inquiries on multiple applications. Written instructions were issued to relevant officers with a strict deadline for compliance and submission of reports directly to the DPO’s office.

Senior police officials including the DSP, SHOs, and other officers were present during the proceedings. Citizens, who interacted directly with the DPO, termed the initiative a rare opportunity to have their voices heard without hesitation or procedural delays.

Speaking on the occasion, DPO Ismail Kharrak underlined that open courts provide him with direct insight into citizens’ concerns and enable swift resolution. “Every complaint must be addressed without delay. Citizens should feel free to approach the police with confidence that their issues will be resolved. Service, protection and justice are the cornerstones of our policing,” he said.

The DPO stressed that negligence or undue delay in addressing grievances would not be tolerated. He warned that officers found guilty of laxity would face accountability measures. Several complainants were assured of immediate action, while follow-up mechanisms were put in place to ensure transparency.

Public reaction to the open courts was overwhelmingly positive. Many residents stated that such forums had bridged the gap between citizens and the police, adding that people-friendly policing was no longer a slogan but a visible reality. Local stakeholders expressed the hope that this initiative would be institutionalized and extended across the district.

According to Khanewal police, the open court mechanism is proving effective not only in providing immediate solutions but also in rebuilding public confidence in law enforcement. The move has been described as a step towards transforming the police into a service-oriented institution rather than a force perceived as distant from common citizens.

Observers note that this series of open courts reflects a broader push by the Punjab government to promote accessibility, accountability, and responsiveness within the police system. For many residents, the sessions represented the first time their issues were addressed at such a senior level in real time.

The DPO reaffirmed that the drive would continue uninterrupted, ensuring that “no victim’s plea, no citizen’s grievance, and no legitimate demand goes unheard.”

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