In beginning of this month,
Pakistanis experienced a situation of panic, clash and some excitement, during
PTI lead protests against Panama issue that lastly defused after Chairman PTI
Imran Khan cancelled the Islamabad “Lock Down”. This is another debate that who
had been right or wrong and who won or lost throughout this game of political
demonstration and show of state’s power, but as Shakespeare said, all is well
that ends well; in the same way some very positive results out of this scenario,
brought opportunity out of adversity.
The conflict was leading the country towards a situation of not less than civil
war when a wise decision by Imran Khan, who is otherwise considered to be a
hot-blooded leader rather than sagacious one, avoided anymore outright
confrontation that could have led to a massive loss to country. In response to
which, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, while representing government,
also showed some mellowness after tongue lashing between two parties for many
days. He did not only admire Imran Khan’s decision but also gave a
reconciliation gesture by apologizing PTI workers and citizens for troubles they
had faced during last few days. The best thing that came out is, both sides had
to respect the sanctity of the institution.
Other than this, Police has also appeared to be in a better professional state.
Although role of Police has always been controversial in such circumstances,
being state’s front line force interiorly, maintaining law and order inside the
country is their core responsibility, and Punjab Police have, may be for the
first time, managed it very well. But at times, being a Pakistani, I felt
wretched because ironically our own force had been fighting against our own
people. State’s resources, energy and personnel were being used against its own
citizens. However, if we see the other side of the picture, as a professional
force, they had to do it to maintain the writ of state as per orders. They
blocked the protestors from entering into Islamabad without using a bullet and
by consistently persisting for many hours; the caravan was blocked for more than
15 hours by Attock Police only. Previously we have seen Police running away from
such situations even when they had guns in hands. It seems like Command of IGP
and Punjab Police's training on modern techniques, especially anti-riot
exercises, have helped them to handle the protest confidently.
There are many more examples and success stories of Police that we have
witnessed in recent past. About a month ago, Youm-e-Ashur was observed with
religious reverence where about 200,000 police officials ensured the security of
more than 28000 Majalis and around 7418 processions that took place on 9th and
10th Muharram only, throughout the Punjab. Combing, search and sweep operations
were conducted before and during Muharram and are still in progress with full
force. Peace Committees’ members were taken as stakeholders to create harmony
among all faiths on direction of IGP Punjab Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera. Resultantly,
the Security strategy and cooperation of administrations of Majalis and
processions with police had helped in maintaining the spirit of brotherhood and
religious harmony. This is why, despite serious threats of terrorists’ attacks
and communal violence by secretariat militant outfits, the situation in the
province remained calm and safe. We need the same spirit of harmony and
brotherhood on other occasions as well, instead of leading the situation to the
serious conflicts between provinces and ethnic groups.
Before that, Punjab had seen an Independence Day Celebrations without any stunts
on roads by “one-wheelers”, peaceful Eidain and joyful International Cricket in
Pakistan after many years due to strict policy and action of Police. Whether it
had been Taraweeh prayers in Ramzan or major protests by political parties,
Police always played a role of vanguard to protect citizens. Police officers
from the rank of constables to that of Regional and District Police Officers
observed a routine of waking up before Sehri and provided security to Masajid
from Fajar prayer till Taraweeh. Out of 24 hours, Police had been on special
duty to protect Namazis for about 20 hours, in this “Islamic Republic” of
Pakistan. I have witnessed Police Jawans walking in front of Muharam processions
as a layer so that if any untoward incident happens, they can sacrifice their
lives to save others. Officers of RPO and DPO rank were present by themselves on
spots to supervise the security measures. When citizens worship inside their
worship places, Police do the same outside by protecting them.
Dedication of law enforcement agencies, especially Police as frontline force, is
of core significance which has actually made situation of peace possible and
have maintained writ of state successfully in tense situations. Finally the
state of affairs has come to normal as the case of Panama Leaks is in Supreme
Court and it is expected that something good for Pakistan will definitely come
out.