Maryam’s Journey: Police Brutality & Cry for Justice

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Maryam’s tragic demise stands as a harrowing symbol of lawlessness and brutality within Pakistan. Her journey took a horrifying turn when she encountered those tasked with upholding the law but instead subjected her to humiliation and violence.

The incident unfolded in a public space, witnessed by numerous passengers, where a police officer, entrusted with maintaining order, resorted to physical assault against Maryam, a woman traveling with young children.

Video evidence captures the disturbing scene, highlighting a grave breach of trust and authority.

It’s deeply troubling that ten days have passed since the incident on April 7, with the matter initially hushed up, only for videos to now surface on social media. This delay underscores the systemic challenges in bringing such egregious acts to light.

Initial reports suggest Maryam was no stranger to travel, yet her journey on this occasion descended into chaos due to an altercation with law enforcement. Amid conflicting accounts, it’s alleged she was not only subjected to physical abuse but also robbed of her belongings.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/an-unending-quest-for-justice/

The aftermath of this tragedy exposes a deep-rooted issue within Pakistan—the pervasiveness of lawlessness and the lack of accountability. Maryam’s family, grieving her untimely death, now faces a daunting battle for justice in a system plagued by inertia and corruption.

This incident is not an isolated case. Pakistan has a history marred by unresolved injustices, where victims and their families await justice for decades. The echoes of Model Town Massacre in Lahore, the Sahiwal Killings, and atrocities committed by those in authority reverberate through a broken system.

Maryam’s brother has come forward, alleging malice on the part of the police officer involved. The emergence of video evidence depicting Maryam’s resistance underscores the gravity of the situation—a blatant abuse of power by individuals meant to uphold justice.

The stains of innocent blood are not confined to one police station; they permeate the entire landscape of law enforcement across Pakistan. Those responsible for such atrocities continue to operate with impunity, shielded by a system that often prioritizes protection over accountability.

Even high-ranking officials within the police force have been implicated in heinous crimes, turning the notion of justice on its head. The murder of Shahbaz Tatla by Mufakkar Adeel—a chilling reminder of corruption within the very ranks sworn to protect.

Maryam’s family, like countless others, now navigates a path riddled with bureaucratic hurdles and systemic apathy. The prospect of holding her perpetrators accountable remains uncertain, overshadowed by a veil of secrecy and impunity.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/the-lawless-law

The outcry on social media underscores a critical juncture in Pakistan’s fight for justice. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Maryam’s tragic ordeal, the call for reform resonates louder than ever. The decaying standards of law enforcement demand immediate attention from policymakers, lest the flames of discontent engulf them as well.

In the midst of Ramadan, a season of reflection and compassion, Maryam’s family’s plea for justice echoes across a nation grappling with systemic failures. Their appeal for accountability is not just for Maryam but for all who have fallen victim to a system in dire need of redemption.

Only time will reveal if Maryam’s perpetrators will face justice. Yet, the resolve to seek accountability remains steadfast, anchored in the hope that no life, lost to such senseless brutality, will be in vain.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Google Image