Police departments in Lahore and Peshawar have issued new guidelines and restrictions regarding interactions with the media and the handling of information concerning ongoing cases and detained individuals.
On September 22, the Lahore Police Operations Wing introduced specific guidelines under the sub-clauses of Sections 6 and 9 of the Punjab Police Media Policy, mandating that field officers must obtain prior approval before engaging in interviews related to any case. According to a spokesperson, this measure is designed to ensure accountability and responsibility, particularly in sensitive matters. The new policy is a response to judicial directives calling for more responsible police-media interactions to avoid any potential impact on legal proceedings.
Violations of these guidelines will lead to departmental actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality, accurate, and constructive information flow to the public and media. The policy also aims to prevent the misuse of social media platforms by police officers and curb speculative or premature statements that could compromise investigations.
Meanwhile, in Peshawar, the police have enforced a ban on video recordings and interviews of individuals detained in police stations. This follows a directive from the Peshawar High Court, with the primary aim of protecting the legal rights of suspects and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. The notification from the office of the capital city police officer highlighted that any violations of this rule would result in legal action.
Officials explained that the ban would help prevent the prejudice of legal proceedings and protect the presumption of innocence for suspects. It also addresses the societal issues stemming from the unauthorized circulation of potentially inflammatory viral videos, which can influence public opinion and undermine the justice system.
Both police departments have emphasized that these measures do not intend to limit media freedom but rather to ensure that engagements are responsible, fact-based, and conducive to public awareness and trust in law enforcement
