Depoliticising police
Corruption and mismanagement also are important issues that need the government’s attention
First the Supreme Court took steps to improve things in Sindh, and now Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking governmental initiative himself to establish better systems. PM Imran Khan’s primary objective is to depoliticise the police in Punjab. Historically, the police force in all provinces of the country has prioritised serving influential persons. Tragically, it has resulted in a situation where those without influence or wealth find it troublesome to seek police help and protection irrespective of the fact that the Constitution of Pakistan with reference to personal security says, “No person shall be deprived of life or liberty save in accordance with law.” We welcome PM Imran Khan’s push for depoliticisation of the Punjab police and hope to see this soon extended to Sindh as well.
Along with the depoliticisation reform, PM Khan’s agenda as revealed in his briefing, along with the Punjab Cabinet, on March 2 included several notable mentions with respect to education development, land-use and restricting urbanisation, and fair selection in recruitment to the police. Punjab is one of Pakistan’s most resource-rich provinces with highest agricultural output. With Pakistan already poised to be one of the most highly impacted countries by climate change and greenhouse gases, Prime Minister Khan’s instructions to preserve parks and agricultural land to contain urbanisation are praiseworthy. Urbanisation has historically meant deforestation and now major cities all over the world are making efforts to re-plant greenery on building rooftops. Faced with changing weather patterns and extreme weather events as a result of climate change, preventative measures are the best way for Pakistan to mitigate the impact.
Corruption and mismanagement also are important issues that need the government’s attention. We hope the prime minister will soon move against these two evils also as they are eating into the vitals of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2019.
Along with the depoliticisation reform, PM Khan’s agenda as revealed in his briefing, along with the Punjab Cabinet, on March 2 included several notable mentions with respect to education development, land-use and restricting urbanisation, and fair selection in recruitment to the police. Punjab is one of Pakistan’s most resource-rich provinces with highest agricultural output. With Pakistan already poised to be one of the most highly impacted countries by climate change and greenhouse gases, Prime Minister Khan’s instructions to preserve parks and agricultural land to contain urbanisation are praiseworthy. Urbanisation has historically meant deforestation and now major cities all over the world are making efforts to re-plant greenery on building rooftops. Faced with changing weather patterns and extreme weather events as a result of climate change, preventative measures are the best way for Pakistan to mitigate the impact.
Corruption and mismanagement also are important issues that need the government’s attention. We hope the prime minister will soon move against these two evils also as they are eating into the vitals of the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2019.