Aggravating hunger crisis

Amid the deepening economic instability, Punjab police are experiencing a surge in daily hunger-driven suicide threat calls. Within the span of 16 days, the police catered to 242 distressed families who were on the brink of starvation. While Punjab police have presented an exceptional example of community policing by using their own resources to support vulnerable families, the rising frequency of these calls signals an aggravating crisis.

Sindh and Balochistan have some of the highest levels of poverty, malnourishment and food insecurity. As many as 41 people committed suicide in Thatta in April due to poverty. The floods last year exacerbated challenges for impoverished and vulnerable communities in all four provinces. Widespread corruption and provincial governments’ callous disregard have left thousands of families reeling in misery and desperation. Residents of Sindh and Balochistan lack trust in the police due to the police’s bad track record with community engagement. The poor in these provinces may just be relying on God’s mercy. While it is the government’s responsibility to facilitate the public, civic and non-governmental organisations must step in and reach out to local communities that are suffering. These philanthropic efforts should not be turned into a spectacle and any form of charity and relief should be provided in a dignified manner as has been done by Punjab police.

In many countries, police play an important role in community assistance; perhaps, the police departments in Pakistan should also be trained to offer similar services. This will not only help with public welfare but can also go a long way in restoring public trust as well as dismantling our law enforcement officers’ brutal behaviours and attitudes. Crucially, the caretaker government along with other stakeholders need to acknowledge the difficulties faced by the masses and offer the despondent people more than just excuses and false promises.