(Nazia Naz Defender & International Researcher, Karachi)
In a significant step toward strengthening public access to justice, Honorable Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Human Rights, paid an official visit to the IGP Complaint Cell at the Central Police Office (CPO) Karachi. The visit underscored the Government of Sindh’s commitment to improving service delivery, enhancing transparency and integrating human rights standards within policing mechanisms across the province.
During the visit, DIGP Headquarters Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh, SSP Ali Raza (In-charge Complaint Cell) and IT Director Ms. Tabbasum Abbasi provided comprehensive briefings to the Special Assistant. They outlined the existing complaints mechanism, the redressal process and the province wide network of district level facilitation centers.Ms. Tabbasum Abbasi presented an overview of the Sindh Safe Cities Authority and the Karachi Safe City Project. Under this initiative, more than 1,300 AI-enabled cameras including advanced image enhancement cameras, bullet fixed cameras, speed dome cameras and digital forensic tools have been installed across the city. These systems support real-time monitoring and rapid response, while structured SOPs, continuous human resource development and regular technological upgrades ensure that the project maintains high operational standards.Briefing the delegation, SSP Ali Raza highlighted the Complaint Cell’s critical role in delivering relief to citizens. Fully computerized since August 2017, the Cell operates through an integrated online Complaints Management System. Currently, 37 district-level centers are functioning across Sindh, handling complaints related to police inaction, delay in justice, misconduct and other public concerns. The Cell also processes Prime Minister’s directives, Zara Alerts, Chief Minister’s special directives and both online and manual complaints submitted by citizens. It can be accessed remotely through the dedicated email: aigcomplaints.cpo@sindhpolice.gov.pk.
Mr. Sodha also inspected the Traffic Regulation and Faceless E-Ticketing System, where he received a detailed briefing on the newly introduced digital E-Challan system in Karachi. The system identifies traffic violations such as failure to wear seatbelts, mobile phone usage while driving, signal violations, and riding motorcycles without helmets. Citizens are encouraged to pay the fine within two weeks to avail the 50% reduced penalty, after which regular charges apply.Emphasizing the importance of institutional collaboration, the Special Assistant called for stronger linkages between the Human Rights Department, DIGP Headquarters and the IGP Complaint Cell. He stated that effective coordination is crucial to ensuring that citizens especially vulnerable and marginalized groups receive swift, fair and transparent redressal of complaints related to policing and public safety.He highlighted that the Human Rights Department has recently activated its divisional and district offices across Sindh, enabling faster response, improved monitoring and enhanced outreach to communities facing violations.At the conclusion of the visit, DIGP Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh presented a commemorative shield to Mr. Sodha in recognition of his commitment to reinforcing human rights protection mechanisms in the province.
