Policemen hung out to dry in blazing heat

Hundreds are ensuring security without basic amenities

LAHORE: Hundreds of police officials, deployed to maintain security in the provincial capital, are forced to perform their duties without basic amenities such as umbrellas and water coolers. As temperatures soar to higher than 44 degrees Celsius, police officials continue to work tirelessly under the blazing heat of the sun.

Around 7,000 officials from the Lahore police have been deployed to maintain security in sensitive areas across the metropolis and at internal and external routes of the city. These officials do not have umbrellas to provide respite from the heat and there are no arrangements for drinking water.

On the other hand, around 2,000 traffic wardens deployed across Lahore have been provided with basic amenities to make their shifts bearable.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, on the condition of anonymity, officials posted at security and check posts said that they are laying down their lives in the line of duty, but their sacrifices are being ignored by higher authorities, referencing the recent attack on officials at Data Darbar.

They explained that they wear bulletproof jackets which weigh around 15 to 20 kilogrammes and check cars, motorcycles and buses in the blistering heat and dust. No one ever puts themselves in our shoes and realises that we are working without any shade and water, they expressed.

“Officers come to these check posts in air conditioned vehicles just to see whether we are standing with our rifles or not. And even when they took notice of the issues, they directed the relevant SHO to arrange for umbrellas and water on their own. As a result, these directives could not materialize,” one of the policemen stated.

The cops said the olive green uniform is a blend of cotton and polyester, making it bothersome to wear during the heat. They added that when the uniform is washed twice or thrice, the colour fades. Therefore, many have taken to wearing olive coloured t-shirts with the trousers.

The police personnel appealed to authorities to take notice of the issues they are facing and to provide them with uniforms of a lighter colour, less heavy bulletproof jackets, umbrellas and water coolers.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2019.