ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a landmark ruling banning the use of the phrase “Bakhidmat Janab SHO” (Respected Sir) in police complaints and official correspondence,The court stressed that police officers, specifically Station House Officers (SHOs), are public servants and should not be addressed with deferential or servile titles.
The court directed that going forward, individuals filing complaints should simply refer to police officers as “Janab SHO,” phasing out the outdated honorifics that suggest subservience. This move aims to promote a respectful and professional tone in police-citizen interactions.
In addition, the court clarified terminology related to FIRs, stating that the person filing the report should be called the “informant,” except in private criminal cases where the term “complainant” will still be used. The court also prohibited the use of the word “fryadi” (meaning petitioner or one seeking mercy), asserting that it undermines the assertion of rights and implies begging.
The ruling emphasized that police officials must register FIRs promptly, warning that delays could result in the loss of vital evidence and potential legal action under Section 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Justice Salahuddin Panwhar authored the judgment, which was based on points raised by Judicial Law Clerk Muhammad Subhan Malik. The court underscored the urgent need for reform in police-citizen relations, advocating for a more professional, rights-respecting approach by law enforcement agencies.
