Lahore, February 15 The Punjab police in Pakistan have been instructed to address citizens with respect, using terms like "sir" or "madam," as part of police reforms.
"Police in Punjab often address citizens in public spaces with 'oye' instead of speaking to them politely," said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during a meeting on police reforms held here on Sunday.
"Do not demean the public. There is a need for accountability and to unlearn harmful attitudes," she said.
She directed that all police stations, offices, and checkpoints should address citizens respectfully as "sir" or "madam" or "sahib" or "sahiba."
Maryam said immediate steps should be taken to "train" police officers.
"There are numerous complaints about the intimidating behavior of police officers. Teach them how to interact with people and also train them mentally. Police officers will not be allowed to interact with people if they refuse to address them as sir or madam," she said.
The chief minister added that police personnel who patrol or interact with the public should also have appropriate body language.
Maryam also ordered police officers to wear body cameras. All Punjab police and traffic personnel will be provided with body cameras in phases over the next two months.