Professionalizing the Force: Supreme Court Bans "Bakhidmat Janab SHO" and Mandates Major Police Reforms. -

In a major step toward judicial and police reforms, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has officially banned the use of the term “Bakhidmat Janab SHO” in police complaints. Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, who took oath as a Supreme Court judge on February 14, 2025, emphasized that police officers are public servants, not masters, and citizens should now address them simply as “Janab SHO” to uphold human dignity.

Key Judicial Mandates:

Dignity in Language: The court prohibited the use of terms like “faryadi” (pleader), which imply a citizen is begging for justice, as it contradicts the constitutional rights of a free individual.
Term Changes: Individuals reporting crimes will now be formally referred to as “informants” rather than complainants, except in specific private criminal cases.
FIR Accountability: The court issued a stern warning that any unnecessary delay in the registration of an FIR could lead to legal action against the responsible officials under Section 201 of the PPC.
Political Neutrality: This ruling aligns with previous directives to end political interference in the police department and ensure that SHOs are appointed based on a clean service record and professional merit.

These changes aim to foster a rights-based interaction, moving away from outdated colonial-era mindsets and ensuring every citizen feels empowered when seeking justice.