Checking alcoholism: Breathalysers, now in Pakistan

KHANEWAL:

Long used in the West to detect drunk driving, the breathalyser has now been introduced to Pakistan, where it will be used on a trial basis by the Punjab police for the first time in the country’s history. 

The breathalyser is a device used to estimate blood alcohol content from a breath test. Rai Ijaz, the district police officer (DPO) of Khanewal district, called the introduction of the device a ‘major breakthrough’ for the department’s investigations and in matters of evidence.

Twenty-two breathalysers have been donated by Aslam Spicy, a Pakistani citizen based in the United Kingdom who is eager to bring a change to the investigation processes employed by the local police.

“I am thankful to the DPO Khanewal who allowed my donation to be used on an experimental basis in his district. This will be the beginning of a change in Pakistan,” said Spicy.

The breath testers have been donated to 18 police stations in Khanewal district, including sub-districts of Mian Channu, Kabeerwaala and Jahaniaan, where they will remain in custody of station house officers.



A weekly report on the usage and output of the detectors will be submitted to the DPO. Four breathalysers have been given to 4 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) of Khanewal police heading different investigation cells in the district.

“The alcohol breath detector will be a great achievement on the priority against the police,” says citizen Rashid Bin Ameer. FIRs lodged by police and later declared by citizens as fake can now be proven through this instrument. DPO Ijaz told The Express Tribune that video cameras will also be provided separately to ensure transparency.

Ijaz said the tests, together with video, may be presented as evidence in many investigations conducted by police before the court and will upgrade their standards of investigation in the district.

Breathalysers have been used in developed countries for many years, and according to its parameters, a rating of more than 5 can be considered dangerous. However, in Pakistan, where alcohol is banned, any minor reading would be considered an offense.

The SHO of Mian Channu Sadar model police station, Rizwan Yousuf, told The Express Tribune that scientific investigations conducted with the help of these breath detectors will be of great use, especially in cases of local liquor consumption.

Rai Ijaz said a comprehensive report with all statistics will be submitted after one month to the government of Punjab, after which they will decide whether to use the detectors on permanent grounds with legal support. The DPO added that the instrument was hygienic and could be used for five cases.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2013.