LAHORE: The new standard operating procedures (SOPs) of imposing a ban on video recording and photography at all the police offices and police stations of Punjab has made the job more challenging for the journalists who termed it an attempt to put curbs on their professional work.
The SOPs were issued by Inspector General of Punjab Police retired Capt Arif Nawaz on Tuesday who directed the police officers to enforce these in letter and spirit.
Under the new SOPs (a copy available with Dawn), the devices (cameras, mobile phones, etc) of the visitors could be seized in case they film or record any activity on the premises of an office or police station without seeking prior permission from the competent authority.
In the letter issued to senior police officers (CCPOs, RPOs and DPOs) on Aug 22, the IG has also ordered lodging of criminal cases against the violators of the ban.
