First Hindu police officer

The recent appointment of Rajender Meghwar as the first Hindu officer in the Police Service of Pakistan is a significant milestone on the road to a more pluralistic and inclusive society. Meghwar's first posting will be as an assistant superintendent of police in Faisalabad, and senior Punjab Police officials are already hopeful that his presence on the force will also help with minority outreach. In a nation often grappling with issues of sectarianism and discrimination, Meghwar's ascent serves as a powerful testament to the potential of meritocracy. His journey from the impoverished area of Badin to a prestigious role in law enforcement underscores the importance of educational empowerment and the critical role that the CSS exams play in providing a level-playing field. It is an inspiring narrative highlighting how dedication and hard work can lead to breaking longstanding barriers.

The young man has expressed a profound desire to serve his community through the police force, positioning it as a vehicle for addressing societal issues at their root. His understanding that police work is not merely about law enforcement but also about community service reflects a nuanced grasp of the challenges faced by marginalised populations. Meghwar's presence in the police department offers a unique opportunity to bridge gaps between law enforcement and minority communities, because when people see themselves reflected in positions of authority, it enhances their belief in the system, encourages cooperation, and fosters an environment where justice is truly served.

But we must also acknowledge that it has taken over 77 years for a Hindu to qualify through the CSS exams and join the police is an embarrassing reflection of the historical lack of inclusivity and upward mobility in our country. We hope that Meghwar will hopefully be the first of too many to come, because true inclusivity will only be achieved if appointments of minority communities to junior or senior positions make headlines because of individual competence, rather than gender or ethnoreligious background.