Plight of Helpless Disabled Vendor

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: A video viral on social media left the nation in shock, a disabled vendor, dependent on others for mobility, fell victim to heartless plunderers in Pakistan.

The incident, captured in a sobbing video, depicts the vulnerable man’s livelihood, selling caps and gloves, being brazenly stolen in broad daylight.

The perpetrators, leveraging their positions, exhibited an air of untouchability, a stark reminder of the impunity enjoyed by those who should uphold the law.

The video captures the anguish of a vendor, physically incapable of walking, as his means of sustenance – caps and gloves – are callously robbed. The plea on the poster, “not to steal and snatch,” underscores the desperation of a man who could not defend what rightfully belonged to him.

The incident sheds light on the longstanding issue of police brutality and corruption in Pakistan. The police force, instead of protecting the innocent, has a history marred by heinous crimes. The Model Town Murders and numerous complaints against the police in open courts reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse against the common populace.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/unheard-cry-of-laborers/

Pakistan’s international ranking in judiciary and policing reflects the dire need for comprehensive institutional reforms. The standards must be elevated from the top down, addressing systemic issues that perpetuate corruption and abuse. The failure to hold perpetrators accountable contributes to an environment where audacious robberies by those in uniform persist.

The recent acquisition of state-of-the-art gadgets for the police using public funds demands accountability. The onus is on the police chief to bring the culprits to justice. The continued news of police ambushes and daylight murders only exacerbates the public’s discontent with the apparent tyranny inflicted upon them.

Acknowledging the presence of criminal elements within the police force, as highlighted by provincial police chiefs, demands immediate action. Transparency is crucial, and releasing a list of police stations with a clean record of no extra-judicial murders or brutality can begin the process of restoring public trust.

This distressing incident not only exposes the brutality against the vulnerable but also serves as a clarion call for systemic changes in the police force. It is imperative to instill a sense of justice and accountability, ensuring that those tasked with upholding the law do not become perpetrators of injustice.

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

Photo Credit: AS Video Screen Short