If these institutions start a tug of war, then our society will face many harmful consequences
GUJRANWALA: The murder of two lawyers by the firing of the SHO in Daska have raised certain questions about the training and intolerant behaviour of the Punjab police. In recent years, we have witnessed many such incidents where members of the Punjab police have used their extra-legitimate powers to please their bosses or to display their authority over the people in a highly inappropriate manner.
At the same time, lawyers are considered one of the most educated members of society. Their role in the independence of the judiciary movement can never be forgotten. The lawyers’ movement against the removal of Iftikhar Chaudhry from his post created great momentum for democracy in the country. But in recent years, what we have observed is that lawyers have started using their powers in a thug-like manner. Many times they have beaten up policemen who were simply performing their duties at courts. Even judges have at times felt insecure about giving decisions against clients of powerful lawyers.
The police and lawyers both are personnel who represent the law. If these institutions start a tug of war, then our society will face many harmful consequences. There is a dire need for training personnel of both the professions to eradicate intolerance and show members the correct ways of using their legitimate powers to serve the people.
Alamgeer Abbas
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2015.
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