Protests erupt over BISP ‘mismanagement’

Women took to the streets to protest against a reduction in assistance provided under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

The outcry followed complaints from beneficiaries who alleged receiving significantly less aid than expected from registered retailers.

The situation escalated when a monitoring officer, tasked with investigating the complaints, faced a violent altercation at Muzaffar and Sajid Retailers shop in Ada Sawaiwala.

Upon questioning the retailers about the deductions, the officer, identified as Shazia, was met with hostility and physical assault. Shockingly, the officer was slapped and forcibly ejected from the premises.

Despite filing a formal complaint, authorities have yet to apprehend the accused retailers, identified as Muzaffar and Sajid.

Instead, minor charges have been levied against them, raising concerns about ‘the efficacy of existing laws in protecting women from workplace harassment.

Moreover, reports suggest that the influence of the accused has allowed illegal deductions to persist unabated at the retailer's shop.

This flagrant disregard for the law has sparked widespread condemnation and prompted calls for swift and decisive action.

In response to mounting pressure, the Punjab government has initiated a campaign, titled "Never Again," aimed at curbing harassment and ensuring the safety of women across the province. However, these efforts appear to ring hollow as instances of harassment continue to surface, underscoring the need for greater accountability and enforcement.

Adding fuel to the fire, patrolling police officer Ghazi Younis stands accused of further victimising the monitoring officer by pressuring her to reconcile with the assailants. This reprehensible behaviour has reignited calls for systemic reforms and a crackdown on corruption within law enforcement agencies.

In a written complaint to the Inspector General of Punjab Police, the victim detailed the harrowing ordeal, alleging coercion and intimidation by the patrolling police officer. Such abuses of power undermine public trust in law enforcement and highlight the urgent need for reform.

Amidst growing public outcry, citizens have come forward to expose collusion between patrolling police and local retailers, accusing them of exploiting beneficiaries for personal gain. These revelations have cast a shadow of doubt over the integrity of law enforcement and underscore the urgent need for accountability measures.

Efforts to seek clarification from DSP Patrolling Police Bahawalnagar, Irfan Akbar, have been met with evasion, further eroding public confidence in the authorities.

As demands for justice grow louder, social and civic circles are calling on higher authorities to take decisive action against the perpetrators and restore faith in the justice system.

Talking to The Express Tribune, SP PHP Muzammil stated that Constable Younas stopped Shazia and her husband for routine EPP checking. They were allowed to proceed, and he claimed no prior acquaintance with Shazia.

According to him, there was no threat made. However, a thorough investigation is necessary after hearing from both sides.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.