IN July, I was part of a group of students from universities who were invited to do an internship at the Central Police Office in Lahore. We had meetings with senior officials and, on the basis of those interactions, it was clear that the department needed categorisation of officers and the appointment of station house officers (SHOs) only from Category A comprising those having excellent character and performance record.

No law or regulation can reform the police department if the issues are not addressed at the level of the police station. One of the senior officials declared the year 2021-22 as the Year of Police Stations.

The officials made sense and left the students wondering what might actually be hindering the process if senior officials in the department are so clear-headed. Political interference? Who knows?

Usman Ghani Okara

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2021