LAHORE: Lahore Police has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding the handling of women at police stations, including a directive that women should not remain at police stations after sunset except in emergency situations with senior-level approval.
The new instructions, issued by the DIG Operations Lahore, have been circulated to all SPs and SHOs. Officials said the measures are intended to strengthen the protection, dignity, and safety of women during police procedures.
Key Changes Under the New SOPs
Under the revised guidelines, women are to be allowed to leave police stations before sunset, and all legal procedures involving women should, as far as possible, be completed during daylight hours.
The SOPs also state that women—whether complainants or accused—should not be summoned to any police station after sunset.
Exceptions for Emergencies
According to the directives, a woman may only be kept at a police station after sunset in an emergency and only with the approval of the relevant senior police officer.
The new policy also instructs police officials to hear complaints filed by women without delay and ensure their cases receive priority attention.
Reason for the New Guidelines
Police officials said the revised SOPs were introduced following a recent incident and are aimed at ensuring women’s safety, respectful treatment, and improved handling of cases involving female complainants and accused persons.
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