Even though Punjab Police have been given a change in uniform, thana culture remains the same. Thus, this change in uniform which came almost after six decades is just a superficial change. The real change this force needs is in their attitude and mindset, as it has relegated itself to some real-estate or land-grabbing corporation. They care less about crime than discussing city’s real estate.
In Lahore city, many police officials are involved in land-grabbing: ironic for a crime-fighting force.
Police are not a professional force anymore and it is almost impossible to change it without going to the bottom of the issue ie, corruption and abuse of power.
According to police officials, police stations cannot run without corruption/bribery as this ill-gotten money pays their utility bills, petrol expense and sometimes for basic necessities.
On one occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said that the police had turned into an absolute authority, and had promised to bring a change in their mindset. But, nothing has happened so far on that count, as police are still abusing their power. Apparently, the chief minister has only been able to change the packaging. There is no accountability in the police department.
If one wants police to take action on one’s complaint, one needs to grease their palm. Or the station house officer will never listen. The situation is even worse in rural areas when it comes to policing.
A senior police official, while commenting on the ills of policing, says that the police department cannot be fixed as they are the most neglected department of the country. “Thousands of officials never get promotions,” he says.
The official further says that while the Motorway Police get better salaries and facilities, Punjab Police lag behind in everything from promotion to salaries. “There is no proper service structure in our department. Promotions are given at whims or favours,” complains the official, adding that “everyone who joined this force to do something better for the country, is part of our flawed system now”.
The dress-changing stunt of the CM has cost the provincial government Rs580 million. Instead of granting this project to the Nishat Mills, the Khadim-e-Aala could have spent this huge amount on changing the thana culture.
Perhaps, the police needed more pockets (for money taken in bribe) as they did not have them in their old black shirts and tan trousers. However, they have them now in their new olive green uniform.