Globally, it is a well-known fact that law enforcement institutions such as police are the first line of defence, and they play a critical role against any threat to the domestic security of a country. At the same time, the role of police is essential for the establishment of a democratically accountable society and the development of good governance in a country. However, if police are unable and incapable of doing its job, it can be an obstacle and a liability for the very same society it is supposed to protect.
In Pakistan, where police work as the primary law enforcing agency is neck deep in crisis and it is incapable of doing its job properly. It has become a political pawn; corrupt, ill-disciplined, and to a greater extent is in bed with the same criminals against which it is supposed to protect the Pakistani society. The police are supposed to be an instrument of law but in the case of Pakistan they are anything but.
Over the years, the crisis of law and order has become worsened and the rate of kidnappings, organized crime and other security related issues have skyrocketed. But, the capacity of the Pakistani police to deliver, protect and serve is severely diminished. On top of that, due to the lack of proper training, modern investigative tools, requisite skills, and incentives, the police force does not possess any motivation to conduct its job properly.
In coming years, Pakistan will continue to experience domestic security challenges and the threats of terrorism. Empirical evidence has shown that only police forces are more efficient in tackling and stopping the domestic terrorism. To make the Police Force get back on track, it needs progressive reforms.
Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) have put forward a report which proposed much-needed reforms to the police system. According to the report, there are multiple problems which are afflicting the police system. These problems include weakness in the governance structure of police, inadequate financial support, lack of collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies, lack of focus on core police unit- police stations, training deficit, operations/tactics, under strength police force, low representation of women in police, welfare, equipment and logistics issues.
However, since 1947 multiple central governments have created 21 commissions and committees but they all failed to do their jobs properly. Pakistan has inherited its police system from colonial times and since then; there has been no significant police reform. The colonial Police Act, 1861, interestingly during the time of General Musharraf was replaced by Police Order 2002.
Police Order 2002, brought some changes, but it was not able to achieve its desired outcome due to the lack of leadership on the part of police leaders and since it was also opposed by the provincial political executives and the bureaucracy.
But most importantly, Police Order 2002 stayed away from the most important and core issues like training, investigation, and police station responsiveness.
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