KARACHI:
About a week ago, my father and I were traveling from Islamabad to Lahore via the motorway. Unfortunately, my car broke down near Chakri. It was about 44 degrees Celsius and we were stranded in the scorching heat. I dialed the motorway police helpline and within five minutes the police officials had reached our location. Not only did they help in getting our car fixed from a nearby workshop but they also offered us some refreshments. My father and I were amazed by their professional yet kind demeanour.
While they worked diligently in the scorching heat, I noticed that the fabric of their uniform was not compatible with the harsh temperature of the city. Policymakers in Pakistan need to take such things into account. They must develop wholesome policies that encourage and promote better working conditions for these unsung heroes. This can be done by replacing some of the physical work with the latest technological measures such as installing CCTV cameras at signals. Moreover, providing sunglasses, gloves, caps, and sunscreen to all officers on duty should be made compulsory. Their uniform must be redesigned according to the weather so that they are able to perform their duties more effectively. Shades and restrooms should be made at various stops to help further aid them. The concerned authorities need to look into the matter at the earliest.
Naiyla Khan
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2021.
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