THIS is with reference to the report ‘KP policemen take to streets in uniform against Peshawar suicide bombing’ (Feb 2), according to which, demonstrations were held by policemen in several cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province in the wake of the recent blast in Peshawar’s Police Lines mosque. The demonstration had a one-point charter of demand; protection against terrorists. This was an unprecedented happening, and underscored the helplessness of the bottom tier in a force that is beset with administrative issues.

Right from the level of induction to training and then onwards to postings and transfers, the system is riddled with deficiencies of a serious nature. About one-third of the provincial police force remains deployed on non-combatant duties, including domestic chores of senior personnel in the department. Over time, one-third of the force loses contact with their professional duties.

The unprecedented demonstrations by police personnel in the province was not the handiwork of disgruntled elements in the department, but a voice of sanity against the rather sloppy manner in which the police force is being managed in the province.

Sayed GB Shah Bokhari
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2023