It is unfortunate that a sitting government has undertaken to destroy the institution of police
KARACHI: It is unfortunate that a sitting government has undertaken to destroy the institution of police and render it dysfunctional, politicised, demoralised and subjugated.
As a citizen, I am deeply concerned at the dreadful implications of these acts and demand an apolitical, autonomous and accountable police force in the province of Sindh. A professional police force that is not bound by the wishes and whims of politicians; that works for all citizens according to the laws of the land and the rules of the organisation; that has a merit-based system for recruitment, postings and promotions and that is accountable to a police board that consists of government officials and committed citizens.
I am also deeply disappointed with the unrelenting efforts of the Sindh government to subvert the landmark judgment of the Sindh High Court by attempting to oust the incumbent IG — an upright and competent police officer. I appeal that no further attempts be made to undermine his role or appointment and that the Sindh Police (Posting, Transfer and Tenure) Rules 2017 be approved and implemented forthwith.
Plagued with lawlessness, private militias, street gangsters, land mafias, rural goons and urban militants, Sindh is crying out for peace, order and reform. This cannot be accomplished without an impartial, well respected and well trained police institution. A feudal approach to convert the police into personal attendants can only result in harming the interests of the state, citizens and the institution itself.
Naeem Sadiq
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2017.
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