A Legacy of Corruption & Brutality
Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies, particularly the police force, have long been regarded as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country. Decades of unchecked power, rampant bribery, abuse of authority, and extrajudicial killings have eroded public trust.
With countless complaints against police officers for harassment, extortion, and even murder, citizens find themselves at the mercy of those meant to protect them.
The recent incidents in Lahore and Mansehra serve as stark reminders of how deep-rooted the corruption and brutality within the police force truly are.
The case of Inspector Saifullah Khan Niazi, in charge of the Babu Sabu check post in Lahore, sheds light on the unchecked power wielded by officers. Official reports claim that Niazi was shot and killed by a workshop owner, Adeel, over a parking dispute.
However, deeper inquiry and public sentiment paint a different picture. Known for his abusive and authoritarian behavior, Niazi had built a reputation for humiliating and exploiting civilians. His death was not just an isolated incident—it was the culmination of years of unchecked misconduct.
Public reaction was far from sympathetic; many saw his killing as “good riddance” and sided with his assailant. This reaction alone should be a wake-up call for policymakers. When the public supports the killing of a law enforcement officer, it speaks volumes about the level of resentment and mistrust towards the institution.
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Further investigation revealed that Adeel, the accused, had worked under Niazi for years and had been subjected to repeated verbal and psychological abuse. While the authorities quickly apprehended Adeel and labeled him a murderer, the larger question remains unanswered—what drove him to this point?
The police department and government must acknowledge that corruption and unchecked power create environments where such incidents become inevitable. Officers with a history of misconduct are rarely held accountable, further emboldening them to exploit the very citizens they are meant to serve.
Another recent incident in Mansehra highlights the arrogance and high-handedness of the police. A traffic constable was caught on camera slapping a woman at a checkpoint in GarhiHabibullah. The situation escalated when the woman retaliated, leading to a public protest that blocked a major road for hours.
The official narrative suggests that the altercation began over a traffic fine. However, eyewitnesses claim the officer was needlessly aggressive and exceeded his authority.
Public outrage forced senior police officials to intervene, leading to a forced apology from the officer. This incident, which went viral on social media, triggered widespread debate on the unchecked power of the police.
Many questioned why an officer, who was visibly in the wrong, was given leniency while citizens are often met with brutality for far lesser infractions.
Pakistan’s police force has, for decades, operated like a criminal syndicate. From routine bribe-taking to extortion, illegal detentions, and even extrajudicial killings, law enforcement officers act with near-total impunity.
The so-called “encounter specialists” in various provinces, who act as hired guns under the pretense of crime control, have been responsible for countless unlawful executions.
Figures such as Gullu Butt, a police-affiliated goon notorious for vandalizing public property under police protection, further illustrate the deep rot within the system.
The Transparency International Report of 2024 once again ranked Pakistan’s police force as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.
Citizens have no reliable means of reporting misconduct, as internal accountability mechanisms are virtually nonexistent. Police officers often manipulate legal processes, intimidate complainants, and ensure that victims have no legal recourse.
Many cases of custodial torture, fake encounters, and police-led extortion rackets never see the light of day, as the perpetrators are protected by their superiors and political backers.
Despite numerous calls for reform, successive governments have failed to take any meaningful action. The deeply embedded culture of corruption and brutality has created a system where honest officers either conform to the status quo or face severe consequences.
Attempts at reform are met with strong resistance from within the department itself, as powerful networks of corrupt officers and their political patrons seek to maintain their grip on the system.
The case of Inspector Niazi’s killing should serve as a critical moment of reflection. If the public openly celebrates the death of a police officer, it is evident that the institution has lost its credibility.
Law enforcement is supposed to instill a sense of safety, not fear. When citizens perceive police officers as no different from criminals, the justice system itself collapses.
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The demands for police reform in Pakistan are now more urgent than ever. The government must implement strict policies to root out corruption, enforce accountability, and overhaul recruitment and training processes.
Officers found guilty of misconduct should face severe legal consequences, rather than being transferred or temporarily suspended. Citizens must be given reliable channels to report abuse, and independent oversight committees should be established to investigate complaints against law enforcement officials.
Moreover, Pakistan’s international ranking in governance and rule of law continues to plummet. The failure to establish a transparent and accountable policing system directly impacts the country’s global standing.
Foreign investors, human rights organizations, and international watchdogs repeatedly highlight the deteriorating law and order situation, further isolating Pakistan on the global stage.
The people of Pakistan deserve better. They demand a police force that serves them, not preys on them. The tragic events in Lahore and Mansehra should not just be seen as isolated incidents but as a symptom of a much larger, deeply rooted problem.
Without immediate and comprehensive reform, the police force will continue to operate as a criminal entity in uniform, leaving citizens with no faith in the system meant to protect them.
The message from the public is clear: enough is enough. The government must act before the nation spirals further into lawlessness, where justice is not served by institutions but taken into the hands of the oppressed.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
Asem Mustafa Awan has extensive reporting experience with leading national and international media organizations. He has also contributed to reference books such as the Alpine Journal and the American Alpine Journal, among other international publications.
