Abdul Basit Alvi
Few elements are as integral to the fabric of society as law enforcement. Police forces serve as the guardians of order, ensuring the safety and security of communities globally. Their significance transcends mere crime-fighting; they are the bedrock upon which the rule of law is built, essential for nurturing trust, preserving stability, and championing justice in society. The Pakistani police force, akin to law enforcement agencies worldwide, plays a vital role in preserving peace, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring public safety. However, recent years have witnessed a surge in allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, and human rights violations within the ranks of the Pakistani police. Accusations spanning from extrajudicial killings to torture and corruption have prompted significant concerns regarding the accountability and integrity of the Pakistani police force. Among the most severe allegations is the practice of extrajudicial killings, where individuals are purportedly slain without proper legal procedures. Human rights organizations have extensively documented cases where suspects have been fatally shot, often termed as “encounters” by authorities. These occurrences raise profound questions regarding the deployment of excessive force and the absence of accountability for such actions. Additionally, reports of torture and mistreatment by police officers during interrogation or detention are distressingly prevalent in Pakistan. Victims, including minors and marginalized communities, have shared deeply disturbing accounts of physical and psychological torture while in police custody. Such practices not only violate human rights but also diminish the credibility and legitimacy of law enforcement. Corruption within the police force is another persistent issue that undermines public trust and confidence. Instances range from demanding bribes for basic services to collusion with criminal elements, eroding the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts and fostering a culture of impunity. Allegations of political interference in police affairs are widespread in Pakistan. Politicians frequently exert influence over police operations, appointments, and investigations, compromising the independence and impartiality of law enforcement. This interference undermines the rule of law and perpetuates a system where justice is unevenly administered. Strengthening accountability mechanisms within the police force is crucial to address allegations of misconduct and abuse. Independent oversight bodies, such as police complaint commissions or ombudsmen, can investigate complaints, hold officers accountable for their actions, and recommend disciplinary measures or legal action when necessary. Investing in comprehensive training programs for police officers on human rights, ethical conduct, and conflict resolution can help foster a culture of respect for the rule of law and civilian rights. Continuous professional development opportunities can enhance officers’ skills and knowledge, enabling them to carry out their duties effectively and ethically. Building trust and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve is essential for effective law enforcement. Community policing initiatives that engage residents in crime prevention efforts, facilitate dialogue, and address local concerns can help bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and the public, fostering mutual respect and understanding. Enacting and enforcing legislation that protects the rights of suspects, ensures due process, and prohibits torture and extrajudicial killings is essential to prevent abuses within the police force. Additionally, reforms aimed at depoliticizing police appointments and operations can help insulate law enforcement from undue political influence. Regarding the recent incident in Bahawalnagar, it’s important to examine all perspectives rather than focusing solely on one side. Reliable sources have provided intriguing information indicating notable facts. According to these sources, a checkpoint located outside the city by Chak Madrasa generates significant revenue. Every two to three years, approximately one to two of the District Police Officer (DPO) of Naka District is consumed by this checkpoint. Two years ago, a similar incident occurred when individuals associated with a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) were reportedly assaulted here. Similar incidents were reported in 2016. During the last decade of Ramadan, the police force adopts a stricter and more lawful approach, with much of the district’s Eid gifts collected from this checkpoint. Rizwan Abbas serves as the SHO in this area. In addition to the local populace, animals and wild birds in the area also seek refuge from perceived cruelty and harsh treatment. On April 8th, the Eid collection campaign was in full force on the bridge. Every vehicle, motorcycle, and passerby was being halted, subjected to verbal abuse, and physically assaulted. There was a heated altercation with a motorcyclist over a perceived inadequate contribution, resulting in physical violence against him. Witnessing the severity of the situation, the motorcyclist fled the scene. Escaping unscathed from this checkpoint was no laughing matter. Consequently, that same evening, without any legal warrant or formal complaint filed, the man’s residence was raided. Although the individual in question was not present, his two brothers, both serving in the army—one from Waziristan and the other from Rawalpindi—had returned home to celebrate Eid. They questioned the police officers regarding the absence of a warrant or legal grounds for the intrusion. The situation escalated, leading to the police forcibly entering the premises, even resorting to tearing the clothing of women present. The two brothers were detained and taken to separate police stations, where they endured a night of relentless torture. By morning, both brothers were in critical condition, suffering from severe bleeding and broken bones. Considering the delicate nature of the situation, the police transported both individuals, unconscious, to DHQ Bahawalnagar, claiming they had been found unconscious on the road after an accident. Later that evening, one of the brothers regained consciousness and recounted the entire ordeal to the attending doctor. Following protocol, hospital officials promptly notified the relevant military authorities about the presence and medical condition of their personnel. Upon public revelation of the incident, it was discovered that no entry had been logged at the police station and there was no official record. In response, Bahawalnagar police authorities suspended the SHO and several other personnel, filing a mild First Information Report (FIR) to downplay the matter, and relocated them to another police station pending further inquiry. The concerned military agency requested a transparent investigation by Bahawalnagar police and swift action. Simultaneously, the Garrison Commander of Bahawalnagar was instructed to ensure the injured personnel received optimal medical care and legal recourse. Immediately after Eid prayers on the morning of the festival, the Garrison Commander attended to the hospitalized employees at DHQ, then contacted the District Police Officer (DPO) of Bahawalnagar by phone to inquire about the progress of legal proceedings. The DPO assured the Commander that all personnel were in custody and that a thorough investigation was underway. Subsequently, the Garrison Commander proceeded to Police Station A Division Bahawalnagar to review the registered FIR and current legal proceedings and inform the Army High Command. Upon arrival, however, he discovered that the individual occupying the SHO’s office was not the actual in-charge of the A Division, but rather Rizwan Abbas. Meanwhile, the genuine SHO and the other accused officers were found in the office, casually enjoying Eid treats and tea. When the Commander questioned the genuine in-charge about the ongoing inquiry, he was met with insults and threats from the police station staff. Despite this, the Commander maintained composure, refraining from retaliation, and promptly informed higher authorities of the incident, including the availability of CCTV footage at the police station. Despite police authorities’ denial of the incident, the Commander informed superiors of the entire situation and was instructed to dispatch a technical team to obtain a copy of the CCTV footage from A Division Police Station for potential future departmental proceedings. Accordingly, a two-member technical team was dispatched to the police station with a copy of the directive. Both members of the technical team faced verbal abuse and mistreatment, and all CCTV footage was systematically erased. When the team failed to return, the Bahawalnagar Garrison contacted the police station, only to be informed that the CCTV system was malfunctioning and no footage existed. Furthermore, the police accused the team members of misconduct, resulting in the filing of a fabricated FIR against them. They were subsequently detained in the lockup, prompting the Garrison to mobilize a team of 20 Army personnel to secure their release and initiate necessary legal proceedings. It’s disheartening to observe on social media, fueled by a few anti-state elements eager to tarnish the reputation of the Pakistan Army, the distortion of facts and disregard for truth. The reality of the situation was obscured, while the pervasive issues within our police force, including corruption, were ignored. Transparency International Pakistan recently released its Corruption Perceptions Survey 2023, which highlighted the police as one of the three most corrupt institutions in Pakistan, a fact well-known to the public. According to the findings, the police were identified as the most corrupt institution, followed by the procurement and contracting sector, and then the judiciary. The education and health sectors occupied the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Local governments, land administration, customs, excise, and income tax were subsequently listed as the sixth, seventh, and eighth most corrupt institutions. The report provided insights into bribery dynamics within the police and judiciary, highlighting an average cost of 25,846 rupees for such practices in public service delivery. Interestingly, the survey revealed that the highest average bribe occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reaching up to Rs 162,000. Punjab reported the highest average citizen-paid bribe of Rs 21,186, primarily directed towards the police. In Balochistan, health facilities witnessed the highest average bribe, amounting to Rs 1,60,000. According to the National Corruption Perceptions Survey 2023, a significant 68 percent of Pakistanis believed that institutions like NAB, FIA, and the Anti-Corruption Establishment are exploited for political vendettas. Nationally, 60 percent expressed the opinion that accountability institutions like NAB, FIA, ACE, and the Ombudsman should be abolished due to their perceived failure in eradicating corruption. At a broader level, 75 percent of citizens across the nation opined that the private sector wields excessive power, leading to corruption. The majority, 36 percent of citizens, believed that anti-corruption agencies have been ‘ineffective’, contributing to a 40% lack of merit in major corruption cases at the national level. Provincially, 42 percent in Sindh, 43 percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 47 percent in Balochistan asserted that jobs are not based on merit. In Punjab, 47 percent attributed corruption to the bureaucracy’s utilization of state institutions for personal interests, considering it the primary reason for corruption in Pakistan. As countermeasures against corruption, 55 percent of Pakistanis advocated for immediate government disclosure of public officials’ assets on websites at the national level. Additionally, 45 percent believed that accountability courts should ensure swift resolution of corruption cases within 30 days. At the national level, 47 percent of Pakistanis perceived corruption as the main impediment to Pakistan’s development. Furthermore, 62 percent linked corruption and unethical practices to environmental destruction and increased effects of climate change. A staggering 67 percent felt that provincial and local governments disregard their views in shaping environmental policies. Surprisingly, 76 percent of Pakistanis at the national level have never utilized the Right to Information Act, as per the survey conducted by Transparency International Pakistan. The Corruption Perception Survey, conducted eight times in the last 23 years, serves as a crucial barometer of Pakistani perceptions. Carried out from October 13, 2023, to October 31, 2023, across all provinces, the survey collected responses from 400 individuals in each province, providing significant insights into the prevailing perceptions of corruption in the nation. Despite examining the history and facts regarding our police force, some individuals have unjustly targeted our army. The truth remains that the Pakistan Army stands as the most organized, professional, disciplined, and corruption-free institution in the country, unmatched by any other institution in any aspect. The dissemination of propaganda against the Pakistan Army not only harms the institution itself but also poses a threat to the country as a whole. In today’s age of widespread information dissemination, propaganda has emerged as a powerful tool utilized by various entities aiming to mold narratives, sway opinions, and achieve their political or ideological goals. Among the primary targets of such propaganda efforts are the armed forces, esteemed institutions tasked with safeguarding national sovereignty and security. Elements opposed to the state exploit vulnerabilities within military structures and societal dynamics to spread misinformation, sow discord, and undermine confidence in the military. One of the foremost challenges encountered by the armed forces is the disparity in information access. Military operations often involve classified or sensitive details, restricting public access to firsthand information about events. Exploiting this information gap, adversaries disseminate distorted accounts, false assertions, or selectively presented evidence to further their agendas. Devoid of reliable sources or proper context, audiences may be susceptible to manipulation and falsehoods. Social media platforms have evolved into battlegrounds for propaganda campaigns, affording anti-state elements a vast and easily reachable audience for their messaging. The anonymity, widespread reach, and rapid spread of content on social media magnify the impact of propaganda efforts, enabling malevolent actors to directly target military personnel and their families. False narratives, manipulated images, and provocative language can quickly circulate, corroding morale, eroding trust, and fostering dissension within military ranks. Public perception of the military plays a pivotal role in shaping political discourse, policy formulation, and national security strategies. Anti-state elements target civilian populations with propaganda designed to tarnish the reputation of the military, portraying soldiers as aggressors, violators of human rights, or enforcers of repression. By portraying military actions or interventions negatively, propagandists aim to sway public opinion, mobilize opposition, and undercut support for defense initiatives. Propaganda is not merely about disseminating information; it also serves as a form of psychological warfare aimed at influencing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Adversaries employ sophisticated narrative techniques, emotional appeals, and psychological tactics to manipulate perceptions of the military and its societal role. By shaping the narrative surrounding military endeavors, propagandists seek to undermine confidence in military leadership, diminish public trust, and sow divisions within society. Effectively combating propaganda directed at the military necessitates a thorough and synchronized strategy that tackles vulnerabilities on various fronts. This involves bolstering media literacy and critical thinking abilities, instituting information security protocols to safeguard against disinformation, and promoting transparency, accountability, and transparent communication. Cooperative endeavors between governmental bodies, intelligence agencies, civil society groups, and technology firms are equally essential for detecting and neutralizing propaganda risks. The Pakistan Army has also took notice of the incident. According to ISPR, a regrettable incident unfolded in Bahawalnagar recently, promptly addressed and resolved through the collaborative efforts of military and police authorities. Despite this, certain factions with vested interests began spreading divisive propaganda on social media, aiming to sow discord between state institutions and government departments. To ensure a fair and thorough investigation, and to ascertain responsibility for violations of laws and misuse of authority, a joint inquiry involving security and police officials will be conducted to establish the facts and assign accountability. Dear readers, there is a pressing need to take decisive measures against the individuals or groups propagating hostility towards our Army on social media platforms. There is a strong public demand for establishing a structured mechanism and enacting appropriate legislation to regulate the dissemination of anti-state narratives across social media channels.
