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Ultimate solutions
There is a rising trend of crime in the country, which is handled by police and other law enforcer, through traditional methods. Gone are the days when our police used to strategize, plan and implement single-handedly to control crime trends. At the same time, it is a fact that countries are governed through policies, architect by think tanks and professionals.
It is the basic duty of the Government to provide a safe and secure environment to every citizen. It is disheartening to disclose that the conviction rate of the Punjab province was only 7.6% during 2023, and the percentage of untraced cases remained at 28.9% which is alarming; it depicts the lack of professionalism on the part of law enforcers. Professionals after having analyzed crime trends, devise strategies and create practical solutions to prevent and manage crime effectively. Unlike the successful models of developed countries, we still stick with the traditional method.
Instead of relying upon the reports of the IGP, the Chief Minister of provinces must raise a team of professionals to analyze the crime trends occurring in different regions of a Province and seek reports and recommendations to grip the whole scenario, enabling to pass on, meaningful directions to the concerned in best interest of the people to lessen their sufferings.
If the services of such professionals are hired as consultants under the oversight of the Chief Minister of the province, it will not only reduce the crime rate but also improve the conviction percentage, which will also strengthen the writ of the State, the direct beneficiary would be the depressed class of people.
As a practitioner, I would suggest that SHOs and investigation officers may not be posted in their domicile districts to create an impartial environment amongst the masses, it will also help reduce the crime rate. The Chief Minister of the Punjab is a vibrant one and considered to be proactive and may play a lead role in strengthening the criminal justice system of the country.
AKHTAR LALAYKA
Islamabad
Political retreat
The PTI’s so-called ‘final call’ for an armed march to invade Islamabad for the release of its jailed leader failed with shameful retreat. Party’ workers have been dismayed and totally disappointed due to the sudden disappearance of Bushra Bibi and Gandapur. This march unfolded as a disheartening saga of violence, political brinkmanship. This was futile exercise in democratic expression has once again devolved into a spectacle of anarchy, violence, misuse of state resources, underscored the party’s penchant for creating chaos. Mobilising provincial machinery and resources is a condemnable act by KP’s Chief Minister. Meanwhile, the party’s failure to draw comparable support from provinces where it does not hold power exposes limits of its nationwide appeal. The violence that accompanied the march, including attacks on media personnel and property further illustrate a rather aggressive and authoritarian tendency in the party that claims resistance, silencing dissenting voices with brute force rather than engaging in dialogue. However, the government’s reliance on containers, roadblocks, and internet shutdowns has caused immense inconvenience to ordinary citizens, and closure of educational institutions added to the public’s frustration. After all PTI’s political adventurer proved wrong, it was a glaring misstep.
MUNAWAR SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Surfing potential
The recent story about Attiq-ur-Rehman and the “Surfers of Bulleji” sheds light on a growing passion that has yet to be fully recognized: surfing. In Karachi’s coastal communities, surfing has evolved beyond a hobby. Despite a lack of equipment, funds, and formal training, young surfers like Rehman are carving out a unique identity for themselves, displaying a level of determination and resilience that deserves national attention.
Pakistan’s coastline, though not ideal by global standards, provides enough of a foundation to nurture this sport. The group’s self-taught approach, reliance on shared or makeshift boards and dedication to surfing even during cyclone advisories show how committed these surfers are to their craft. In a country where sports are often limited to cricket or hockey, surfing offers a new avenue for athleticism and community pride, and it’s time to support it properly.
TASNEEM YOUSUF
Karachi
