April 17, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 10, 1429

RAWALPINDI, April 16: As the democratically elected government is pledging restoration of people’s rights, the police in the twin cities seem determined not to honour civic liberties, even free public movement within their precincts.

The new set-up, which is contemplating reforming the largely infamous police, will likely confront a hard time in revamping the department and setting new yardsticks for the personnel.

Similarly, it will take a hell of an effort to build the image of the law enforcers among the public which, at large, complain about the “anti-people attitude” of the police.

Instead of patrolling at night as part of the duty, harassing the public in broad daylight has become the major fun of policemen at pickets.

Temporary cordons on busy city roads not only obstruct the smooth flow of traffic but also result in delays for students, public and private servants and the business community.

They also cause traffic jams, leading to frequently accidents.

Most of the people, who face the embarrassment, are of the view that the police never apprehend terrorists or auto-thieves, but only succeed in “harassing noble citizens for the sake of money”.

It was a common public belief that obstructions created by police at almost all entry and exit points in Rawalpindi and Islamabad by putting up barricades and establishing pickets would be removed, but disappointingly, the rough and ruthless attitude of the police at all such points had become harsher towards the public and most of the time, they exceeded their mandate.

Police high-ups are well known to these circumstances but their silence over public hue and cry confirms the impression that they are also a party.

The number of police pickets at all entry and exit points between Rawalpindi and Islamabad has not only been augmented, but the deployments have also been strengthened.

Under the shadow of a democratic government, Rawalpindi and Islamabad are no less than a “police state”, according to many citizens.

The police also maintain double standards in terms of vehicles.

While drivers of small vehicles are not spared, luxurious vehicles even without a licence plate are allowed free movement and no policeman dares to stop them at any picket.

In public view, all cordons are a source of earning for the police, and this fact is no secret.

The Islamabad police, despite being labelled as the ‘model police’ having modern gadgets, vehicles and elegant uniforms, have also failed to bring in any change in their attitude.