A Rawalpindi court has ordered legal action against the Station House Officer (SHO) of New Town Police Station for failing to register a First Information Report (FIR) despite clear judicial instructions. The SHO now faces disciplinary measures and possible departmental penalties for disobeying court directives. The incident has drawn criticism, as observers have condemned it as damaging to the rule of law and to the integrity of the police force.
Additional Sessions Judge Afshan Ejaz Sufi initiated proceedings against the SHO under Section 155-C of the Police Order, after the officer deliberately delayed compliance with judicial instructions to immediately register an FIR. The court had explicitly directed the SHO in its earlier order, after verifying all documentation provided, to promptly register the FIR in question. However, this directive was consciously ignored.
In subsequent judicial remarks, Judge Sufi emphasized that the SHO’s refusal amounted to a clear breach of Section 154 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which obligates the police to record statements from complainants and lodge FIRs in cognizable offenses without delay. The court has ordered submission of a compliance report by July 11, 2025, and has issued a stern warning to the City Police Officer (CPO) of Rawalpindi, cautioning that further negligence from senior police offices would be met with stringent legal measures.
Responding to the court’s directives, the office of the CPO Rawalpindi confirmed initiation of departmental proceedings against the SHO. In an internal communication, the seriousness of the misconduct was highlighted and officials were instructed to promptly submit a full compliance report to the police headquarters without further delay.
This incident has sparked considerable anger and frustration among citizens and human rights activists, who view this event as indicative of a broader culture of impunity within police departments, particularly regarding the fundamental right to the registration of FIRs. Critics assert that the open defiance of judicial orders at the station-level not only blocks justice for citizens but also embarrasses senior police officials, undermining public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the case underlines persistent issues concerning police officials’ disregard of established legal procedures, with such incidents greatly damaging the credibility of policing institutions. Public and media attention is now focused on the response of Rawalpindi’s police leadership, awaiting concrete steps to rectify such institutional misconduct and to restore the public’s trust and confidence in the justice system.
