Sajjad Ahmad
In the rugged and thorn-strewn valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the dreadful flames of terrorism have, for years on end, consumed countless precious lives. Amid this long night of fear and devastation, one institution has stood resolute — the police — an unyielding wall between the ruthless and the defenseless, a force that has served as both shield and sentinel of the nation. Their story is not one of mere duty fulfilled, but of endurance, valor, and silent sacrifice.
The police of Pakistan, and particularly those of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have rendered a service to peace and human life that few forces in the world could emulate. Whether pursuing terrorists across perilous terrain, guarding mosques, churches, and schools, or carrying the coffins of their fallen comrades upon their shoulders, their courage has remained unbroken. For nearly two decades, they have stood in the line of fire so that others may live in peace — and for this unwavering devotion, they are deserving of the nation’s highest gratitude and honor.
Yet, paradoxically, despite such sacrifice, the public at large still struggles to view the police as their ally. For many citizens, the sight of a police vehicle evokes apprehension rather than assurance; the notion that a police station might be a sanctuary of justice feels distant, even implausible. This mistrust, however, does not arise from imagination — it is rooted in harsh realities: the misuse of authority, political interference, and the manipulation of the police by powerful landlords and the affluent elite through influence and bribery. An institution conceived to safeguard the people has too often been turned into a tool serving the privileged few.
The police force is rightly regarded as one of the most vital pillars of any nation’s reform, welfare, and progress. Its very raison deter is the eradication of crime, corruption, and lawlessness — to cleanse society of its impurities and enable it to advance toward peace, prosperity, and moral clarity. The stronger and more professional a nation’s police, the lower its rate of crime and the greater its sense of security and social order. Therefore, it is imperative that we examine this institution with honesty — recognizing both its strengths and its shortcomings — and that we, as conscientious citizens, contribute practical ideas for reform.
An ideal police officer must understand that the police are not merely enforcers of law but guardians of moral order. Their duty is not confined to the arrest of offenders; it extends to the protection of human dignity, the preservation of equality before the law, and the nurturing of trust between the state and its people.
If I were asked to define a good police officer, I would not restrict that definition to discipline and authority alone. To me, a good officer is a fearless judge of character and a compassionate friend of humanity. Such an individual must be seen not as a symbol of fear but as an emblem of justice — not as an agent of power but as a servant of truth.
No police officer can perform their duty with integrity without a sound understanding of modern human rights. Sadly, this consciousness has yet to take firm root in the lower echelons of the force. Mandatory training programs and regular sensitivity workshops are essential. Years ago, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced that each police station would have a designated Human Rights Officer. Yet, to this day, I have not encountered a single such officer in any station — a silence that speaks volumes.
It is deeply distressing that at the level of Station House Officers (SHOs) — the very nucleus of policing and justice — violations of human rights and principles of fairness remain rampant. Through corruption and misconduct, they have transformed police stations from sanctuaries of refuge into spaces where dignity feels endangered. Law must indeed be enforced firmly — but never at the expense of humanity.
Though reforms in the police system are announced from time to time, their effect is rarely perceptible in practice. The gravest damage to the institution stems from political interference. Transfers and postings dictated by political influence have eroded professionalism and morale. When loyalty to the law replaces loyalty to individuals, the integrity of the entire system collapses.
Street robberies, thefts, and even home invasions have become all too common, yet most citizens hesitate to report their losses. They bear their misfortunes in silence, surrendering to the notion of fate. Were a survey to be conducted asking people whether the presence of the police makes them feel safe or afraid, secure or uneasy, the overwhelming response would be one of fear. More troubling still is that those who claim comfort in the presence of the police are often individuals with dubious connections to crime. When an institution strikes fear into law-abiding citizens but offers assurance to wrongdoers, its moral compass is clearly in disarray.
It must be noted here that appointments grounded in merit and transparent mechanisms of accountability are indispensable if the police are to regain autonomy and respect. Governments, too, must recognize that the police are not a disposable workforce but a national asset. Investment in better training, housing, healthcare, and public recognition would restore morale — for encouragement nurtures excellence, while neglect breeds indifference.
The police are the cornerstone of any system of justice. From this institution begins the process of protecting the oppressed and holding the oppressor to account — a process that culminates in judicial verdicts and their enforcement. But when this foundational pillar loses the trust of the public, as numerous surveys have revealed, one must confront an unsettling question: how can justice truly prevail in a nation where its very guardians have lost the faith of those they are sworn to protect?
