The Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) rampage was more than a macabre act of certain insensitive specimens in black. It could be their idea of 'fun' that teetered over the bend, or a grotesque demonstration of 'one for all and all for one'. But it did show us the mirror: the depths to which we have fallen and how far we have strayed from the teachings of Islam.
Now that the whole ghastly affair has been roundly condemned, on television and newspaper columns, is it time to move on, as we always do after an event that shakes our conscience but not our slumber? Or, is it time for introspection, as the Chief Justice advises?
Introspection we always do after every man-made tragedy, whether it is after a heart-wrenching shooting at a school or the mindless murder of a student by his fellow students. Always when we take the life of another because his beliefs are different from ours or sacrifice human life for pecuniary reasons or our horribly base animal urges.
But do we learn any lessons? What do we do beyond wailing - until the next tragedy strikes?
Why is it that even after the horrendous PIC attack, where everything was seen and catalogued on TV screens, there are few who really believe that the guilty will be speedily prosecuted and punished? Have we lost faith in the system?
The most depressing aspect of the PIC mayhem has been our tendency to 'politicize' everything. Certainly, if it was politically motivated it should be properly investigated and if there is credible evidence those responsible should be taken to task - incitement to violence, aiding and abetting, are serious offences.
But rushing to judgment, accusing the other side when sufficient evidence is yet to be put together, is the default response of a five year old:"It's not my fault", or "he did it first". The twitter-happy Prime Minister's silence on this despicable act that has left the nation dismayed doesn't help either.
What does the whole episode tell us about the guardians of law, the Police? Can we really depend on them for our safety and security after what we see incident after incident? What does it tell us if the IG needs protection of the paramilitary?
The incident couldn't have come as a surprise to Punjab Police. Apparently, the special branch had forewarned them. In any event, a large number of agitators can't plan, congregate, and march a few kilometers without the Police getting a strong scent of what was in store.
Why didn't they take any pre-emptive action? If they couldn't preempt what prevented them from a strong show of strength, pulling in manpower from other stations, reserves, the rapid response teams that we keep hearing about, and the vaunted elite force?
The question that needs an answer is if the police is thoroughly useless - or has been badgered to the point where in such situations it cannot act until there is a 'political signal'?
If it is the efficiency factor alone it can perhaps be addressed with better training and holding police leadership accountable. But we have a serious problem if our safety is dependent on political expediency.
They say the Model Town incident has left the police frayed and hesitant. We don't buy that. How many police heads rolled after that incident? For that matter, who got indicted for the Sahiwal shooting; or all those cases of extra-judicial killings that we keep hearing about; or the infamous 'safe houses' that every thana worth its salt boasts of?
We need to worry if police has to wait for government clearance to restore order. If protection of life and property is contingent upon directions 'from upstairs' it will be the worst form of politicization of the force. This will be construed unlawful in any decent country. In fact, 'upstairs' will be charged with obstructing a public functionary in the lawful discharge of his duty.
If indeed this has been the case, the police waiting for political clearance, its command should be proceeded against. Supreme Court orders are quite explicit: public functionaries are liable to be held accountable if they obey unlawful orders of their superiors (Anita Turab case).
To us it appears to be a case of command failure. Prior information was available as to the assaulters' size, intent, and timing. Police has standard operating procedures for mob control. They have legal cover for action - from warning to baton charge to water canon to tear gas to firing (first in the air and then at the legs). All officers are taught 'a bullet in time saves nine'.
Why didn't the Police act proactively and in time? This is the lesson we need to learn from the PIC attack, and other such incidents. Until the officers have it as a part of their corporate culture that they are paid to protect the citizenry, and not toe political designs, we will lurch from one crisis to another.
Police top brass is absolutely right in demanding operational autonomy and unity of command. This needs strong public support. But public support will come only when it sees the police as a protector, not an 'extorter'; when we don't automatically reach for our wallets when the traffic cop pulls us over; when we know the police didn't let off a guy we had identified (for running someone over) because palms were greased.
We will happily pull out all stops, do a dharna if necessary, to free police of influences that are detrimental to its performance. We would want it to be like the Metropolitan Police where 10 Downing Street doesn't dare interfere with police work. But we want the police to give us the confidence that in the process it won't become madar pidar azada nd haunt us with greater impunity.
Let's fix broken windows first. Baby steps to public support. Let's see no officers' families in police cars. Let's see seniors inspecting their juniors. Let's see unworthy officers being cashiered and not transferred - shifting filth from one corner to the other. Let's see an IG resigning if his command is wrongfully interfered with.
In our own interest we want the police to be strong. But they have to give us the hope that they are worthy of our trust. They should help us help them.
shabirahmed@yahoo.com