Punjab Moves to Rename Police Stations to Encourage Citizen Trust

The Punjab government has proposed renaming police stations across the province to improve public access to law enforcement and reform the long-standing “thana culture.”

Under the proposal, the term “thana,” which dates back over 150 years to the colonial era, would be replaced with “public safety center.” The initiative aims to make police stations feel more approachable and encourage citizens to report crimes or seek assistance without fear or hesitation. The renaming process will begin once it receives final approval from the provincial cabinet.

Punjab currently has more than 500 police stations and around 100 police check posts. Officials say that after cabinet approval, necessary legal and constitutional steps will be taken to implement the change.

Some legal experts, including District Bar President Sardar Manzar Bashir, Assistant Attorney General Masood Shah, and secretary candidate Mehran Ejaz Anwar Chaudhry, have cautioned that renaming alone will not bring meaningful reform. They stressed that improving police behavior, professionalism, and public interaction is essential for lasting change.

Government officials, however, maintain that the renaming is just the first step in a broader reform program. Plans include enhanced training for officers, citizen service improvements, and public awareness campaigns. Authorities hope that the initiative will gradually rebuild public trust in law enforcement and foster a safer, more cooperative environment between police and communities.

The government also plans to monitor the program closely and gather feedback from citizens and officials to ensure the reforms achieve tangible results. If successful, the changes could serve as a model for other provinces looking to modernize policing and improve public confidence in law enforcement.