I WOULD like to share with the readers a recent incident which reflected the typical mindset of our police officers and those who wield power and influence in our society.

A small portion of the main road in the capital city was temporarily closed for vehicular traffic to connect a wire to the streetlight, while an alternative route was made available. However, a police officer who wanted to get across the road misbehaved with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) workers there, used foul language, pushed aside the barriers and crossed that portion of the main road with his family in the car.

There are two points of concern here. First, if those responsible for upholding the rule of law flout the laws just because they are ‘government officers’, one can neither expect any good from them nor respect for the law from the public.

Second, the police officer in question set a bad example for his children who will grow up to become citizens who condescend upon others and feel proud to break laws.

It is the need of the hour to take strict action against those who misuse their powers and make the rule of law stand above everything else.

Muhammad Majid Shafi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2021