Dr Saqib Khan Warraich

The word POLICE stands for Polite, Obedient, Loyal, Intelligent, Courageous, and Efficient, but the reality of the Pakistani police is often far from this ideal. It is a civil force responsible for preventing crime and maintaining public order. The police system in the subcontinent was established in 1861 under British colonial rule, aimed at protecting their interests. In Pakistan, police jurisdiction begins with filing a First Information Report (FIR) and continues until the case’s final verdict. However, the policing system still reflects the colonial-era "Thana culture," characterised by abuse of power, lack of accountability, and public intimidation. After independence in 1947, political instability and economic challenges hindered the implementation of essential police reforms, leading to growing insecurity among citizens. Under the 1973 Constitution, policing is a provincial subject, with each province having its police force headed by an Inspector General. Although reform efforts date back to the 1950s, they have failed mainly due to weak implementation, political interference, and a lack of sustained commitment.

Major reform attempts include:

·       Sir Oliver Gilbert (1951)

·       Justice J.B. Constantine (1961)

·       Police Commissions of 1985 and 1997

·       Police Order 2002

Despite these efforts, reforms remained largely symbolic and ineffective. In the 21st century, while the world adopts forensic technology, Pakistan’s police still rely on outdated methods. Challenges include fake cases, political interference and bribery. Corruption and a lack of training are significant problems. Evidence collection tools are poor. There is limited use of technology. Government negligence and underpaid staff further hinder progress. Law enforcement agencies are the backbone of any society. In developing countries like Pakistan, they are more of a shield than a support system. Crime is rising in Pakistan, but the handling system is weakening. It is the basic duty of the state to ensure security. The police are the primary civil force responsible for this task. Despite their critical role, the police in Pakistan often fail to perform effectively. This failure is one of the main reasons behind the need for police reform. Cases like Asia Bibi’s, where no eyewitness was examined, show this failure clearly. Police often avoid registering cases against terrorist groups due to fear and a lack of protection for witnesses.

The police in Pakistan are overburdened due to rising crime and population. Posting, promotion, and rewards are often politicised. Ordinary people fear going to police stations to file complaints. Some police officers are themselves involved in serious crimes like rape, murder, sodomy, and extortion. FIRs often require bribes to proceed. In murder cases, courts criticise police for failing to catch high-profile killers. This shows the police lack modern technology and resources. There are serious issues in handling murder cases. Police still follow outdated laws from the colonial era. Victims' families are expected to register FIRs immediately, which is unrealistic under emotional stress. This delay often helps criminals walk free. The use of modern investigation techniques is missing. This leads to low conviction rates and high acquittals. People usually blame courts, but weak investigations are the root problem. Child abuse is another rising issue. It is common in poor and frustrated sections of society. Police fail to deal with these sensitive cases properly. Victims avoid the police due to fear of mistreatment and corruption. Many cases go unreported or unsolved. In some countries, strict punishment has helped reduce such crimes. In Pakistan, the legal system still lacks such provisions. Women’s harassment is also increasing. Many women are now speaking out. However, the police system fails to respond effectively. Officers lack training and sensitivity. In some cases, police themselves have been involved in harassment. Female victims hesitate to report cases. There is also a shortage of trained female officers.

Reforms are urgently needed. The police department must be depoliticised. Police leadership should have secure tenures. They should have full administrative and financial authority. There must be a proper complaints system, online FIR options, and female help desks in every Thana. Urban areas need a better policing model with trained officers. Investigators should be assigned based on specialisation. Investigators need clear manuals and proper training. Police also need better salaries, fixed duty hours, and safe working conditions. There should be special police stations for women. Coordination between police and prosecution must improve. Funding must be increased. A new police law suited to modern needs is essential. International experts should help in drafting this new law. Legal experts say poor communication between police and prosecution is a significant cause of low conviction rates. Civil experts believe that unprofessional police behaviour discourages the public. Former police officers point to political interference as a substantial barrier. The example of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shows that non-interference improves performance. The public wants to eliminate corruption as the first step to reform.

In conclusion, the police are meant to preserve order, not disorder. Reforms must be implemented with honesty and urgency. The Pakistani police have potential, but poor training, lack of funds, and old systems hold them back. Other countries face problems too, but they work to solve them. The police can perform better if we invest in them. Without proper support, even the best reforms will fail. There is a growing need to shift from a force-driven model to a service-oriented police system based on human rights and transparency. Lasting change depends on political will, community engagement, and professional training. Without these reforms, ensuring public safety will remain a distant goal.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Himalayan Research Institute Pakistan - (THRIP)

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Dr. Saqib Khan Warraich is an Assistant Professor at GCU Lahore and an eminent scholar of terrorism studies. He can be reached at: [email protected]