Pakistan's thin blue line

[RescueRanger]

Opinion

Why is it that every time we pick up the newspaper, open up twitter or switch on our favourite news channel we are met by reports of police brutality, excessive use of force and downright incivility? Seldom is the case that the selfless sacrifices these brave men and women make everyday to protect the public go noticed.

But just beneath the surface, beyond all the “bad-press” and “bad -eggs” what do we fail to see? We fail to see the father or mother, kiss their children before going on duty, we fail to see the constable standing in rain or shine sometimes for more than 8 to 10 hours with over 31 lbs of equipment strapped to their person, exposed to a threat level that would make most Hollywood super cops quake in their boots.

Crucified in public for both action and restraint, exposed to the best and the worst in our society. Whilst constables and officers are by the very nature of their profession and oath open to a high level of public scrutiny and accountability, we should not forget the human stories behind the badge.

According to a report published by the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, 221 police officers paid the ultimate price whilst carrying out their duties in the year 2016.

According to a report published by the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, 221 police officers paid the ultimate price whilst carrying out their duties in the year 2016. Regardless of the job description, no one should have to wake up exposed to the constant threat that they may or may not see their family again for a basic salary just shy of rupees 25,000.

I am not advocating that we as a country give the people who uphold the law carte blanche when it comes to use of force or enforcing the law and order, neither can one overlook our present malaise when it comes to endless roadblocks, check posts and spot checks.

The public the world over are at times not privy to the means and methods in which security agencies obtain information, we are immune to the many threats faced by our men and women in uniform because someone decided to wake up, put on a uniform and man that check post without any expectation of public appreciation for the brave sacrifice for being that thin blue line between order and chaos, law and lawlessness.

[Minor edit - typo]

 

[TheSnakeEatingMarkhur]

Opinion
View attachment 708316

Why is it that every time we pick up the newspaper, open up twitter or switch on our favourite news channel we are met by reports of police brutality, excessive use of force and downright incivility? Seldom is the case that the selfless sacrifices these brave men and women make everyday to protect the public go noticed.

View attachment 708317

But just beneath the surface, beyond all the “bad-press” and “bad -eggs” what do we fail to see? We fail to see the father or mother, kiss their children before going on duty, we fail to see the constable standing in rain or shine sometimes for more than 8 to 10 hours with over 31 lbs of equipment strapped to their person, exposed to a threat level that would make most Hollywood super cops quake in their boots.

Crucified in public for both action and restraint, exposed to the best and the worst in our society. Whilst constables and officers are by the very nature of their profession and oath open to a high level of public scrutiny and accountability, we should not forget the human stories behind the badge.


View attachment 708319

According to a report published by the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies, 221 police officers paid the ultimate price whilst carrying out their duties in the year 2016. Regardless of the job description, no one should have to wake up exposed to the constant threat that they may or may not see their family again for a basic salary just shy of rupees 25,000.

I am not advocating that we as a country give the people who uphold the law carte blanche when it comes to use of force or enforcing the law and order, neither can one overlook our present malaise when it comes to endless roadblocks, check posts and spot checks.

The public the world over are at times not privy to the means and methods in which security agencies obtain information, we are immune to the many threats faced by our men and women in uniform because someone decided to wake up, put on a uniform and man that check post without any expectation of public appreciation for the brave sacrifice for being that thin blue line between order and chaos, law and lawlessness.

[Minor edit - typo]

We need to start encouraging them and bringing them on right path even if they are on wrong path..

 

[FuturePAF]

There needs to be a media channel that shows the efforts of everyday heroes. Not in a propagandist manner, but a matter of fact way. Encouraging the public to respect those that sacrifice for the greater good. encouraging by showing the examples of those that do a great job.

Sometimes a smile to a good cop from the public, can encourage them to know the public stands with them. It it may also discourage those temped to do wrong to know the standing they will lose in the public eye.

 

[Awan68]

There is the huge issue of perception that has leaked into the mindset of both the public and the police from the colonial era. The police still acts like it did in the British Raj and the people still carry that resentment towards authority that was developed against the British.

People of Pakistan are big hearted, if the institution of police takes one step they will take a hundred in respecting them, take the armed forces for instance and the level of respect they command at grass root level. There is a reason for that, take a basic example, pass through a check post manned by Police and then pass through one held by Army, the difference in how they treat citizens will be monumental.

The only solution is to make the institution of police independent like the army, with zero interference from politicians, change will come from within.