THE notorious ‘encounter specialist’ is clearly not losing any sleep over the fact that he is on trial for murder. Former SSP Malir Rao Anwar’s conduct during the anti-terrorism court hearings into the extra-judicial murder of Naqeebullah Mehsud in Karachi early this year, speaks volumes about the dysfunctionality corroding the institutions of the state. Far from betraying any concern about the possible outcome of his trial, the one-time senior police official’s apparent disregard for the court proceedings suggests that he is confident there will be no consequences. Nor has his star waned among members of his fraternity, many of whom salute him when he arrives for the hearings. Quite possibly, they too believe that this is but a temporary setback for one of the most ‘well-connected’ cops who, according to the police’s own records, has allegedly ordered nearly 450 encounters.

Even for Pakistan, where certain individuals on the basis of their wealth and status, expect and receive preferential treatment, this is a particularly wretched example. Consider how, when he absconded in the aftermath of allegations that he was involved in Naqeebullah’s murder, it took the former SSP two months to comply with the Supreme Court’s repeated orders to surrender before the bench, a sad commentary on the state of Sindh’s law-enforcement apparatus. Also, apparently no authority — military or civilian — was able to unearth him during this time, even though many of his alleged accomplices were nabbed. And unlike these fellow co-accused who are behind bars, the disgraced cop continues to enjoy the comforts of his home, which has — conveniently and controversially — been declared a sub-jail on flimsy pretexts. Meanwhile, the trial proceedings are devolving into familiar delaying tactics, including the frequent absence of the investigation officer, reported threats against the prosecutor compelling him to stay away, etc. It is for the court to assert its authority and demonstrate unequivocally that the likes of Rao Anwar are not above the law. Certainly, the former SSP, like every other citizen of Pakistan, is entitled to due process — even if, assuming the allegations against him are correct, he has denied that right to many people — but if the evidence is compelling, Rao Anwar must be brought to justice. Too often as we know, powerful individuals in this country evade justice, even when they have committed crimes as serious as abrogating the Constitution. That impunity must end now.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2018