ISLAMABAD (Sapeher Times) Attock DPO’s Women-Centric Public Hearing Initiative Deserves Wider Adoption

ISLAMABAD (Sapeher Times): A recent decision by Attock District Police Officer (DPO) Captain (Retd) Ali Bin Tariq to limit media coverage during public complaint hearings has been widely appreciated in local circles as a thoughtful and people-centred initiative aimed at protecting the dignity, privacy and confidence of women seeking justice.
The decision, though administrative in nature, carries significant social importance, particularly in a district like Attock where family values, cultural traditions and personal privacy continue to hold deep significance.
Under the policy, complainants — especially women — are encouraged to present their grievances directly to police authorities without the pressure of cameras and public exposure. Official information and outcomes of the hearings are subsequently released through the police spokesperson, ensuring transparency while safeguarding the privacy of those seeking assistance.
Observers believe the initiative reflects a clear understanding of local social realities.
In many parts of Attock, including Hazro, Hassanabdal, Fateh Jang, Jand, Pindi Gheb and the Chhachh region, women often hesitate to discuss sensitive issues in public. Matters relating to domestic disputes, inheritance rights, family conflicts, harassment and other personal concerns frequently involve social and emotional considerations that cannot always be comfortably discussed before cameras.
By creating a more confidential environment, the DPO has sought to remove a major obstacle that prevents many women from speaking openly about their problems.
Residents and community representatives say the policy has the potential to strengthen public confidence in law enforcement by assuring women that their concerns will be heard with respect, discretion and seriousness.
Good governance is not measured solely by statistics, infrastructure projects or administrative procedures. It is also reflected in the ability of public institutions to understand the needs of ordinary citizens and respond in a manner that encourages trust.
In that context, Captain (Retd) Ali Bin Tariq’s decision stands out as an example of responsive policing.
The initiative recognises an important reality: justice begins with trust. A complainant who feels secure and respected is far more likely to provide complete and accurate information, enabling authorities to address issues effectively.
Around the world, privacy protections for vulnerable complainants are considered an essential part of modern public administration. Many developed democracies have adopted mechanisms that allow victims of harassment, domestic violence and family disputes to communicate with authorities in a secure and confidential setting.
The Attock model follows the same principle while remaining sensitive to local cultural norms and social values.
Importantly, the policy does not restrict the flow of information to the public. Instead, it introduces a balanced approach in which transparency is maintained through official communication while complainants are spared unnecessary public exposure.
Supporters of the initiative argue that this distinction is crucial.
The objective of a public hearing is to resolve citizens’ problems, not to place vulnerable individuals under additional social pressure. When women feel comfortable enough to speak openly, the likelihood of meaningful redress increases significantly.
The move has therefore been viewed not as a limitation on public information but as a practical step towards making public complaint mechanisms more effective and inclusive.
Many observers believe that the Punjab government should closely examine the results of this initiative. If the policy succeeds in encouraging greater participation by women and improves access to justice, it could serve as a model for replication across the province.
At a time when governments are striving to strengthen citizen engagement and public trust, initiatives that place human dignity at the centre of governance deserve recognition.
Captain (Retd) Ali Bin Tariq’s decision demonstrates that effective policing is not only about enforcing laws; it is also about understanding society, addressing genuine concerns and creating an environment in which every citizen feels comfortable approaching the state for help.
For many women, seeking assistance from official institutions is already a difficult step. Any measure that reduces hesitation, protects privacy and enhances confidence in the justice system should be welcomed.
The Attock initiative is therefore more than an administrative policy. It is a reminder that public service is most effective when it combines transparency with compassion, accountability with sensitivity, and authority with respect for human dignity.
If its positive outcomes continue to emerge, the model introduced by the Attock DPO may well become an example for other districts seeking to make public institutions more accessible, particularly for women.