Fake encounters

Published September 28, 2024

THE scourge of phony encounters is amongst the major obstacles standing in the way of professional policing in Pakistan, and the delivery of genuine justice to the people.

Police personnel indulge in this blatantly illegal activity to show how ‘active’ they are in controlling crime, and to secure rewards and adulation from their bosses. But far too often, innocent people are killed or injured in staged shoot-outs, while actual criminals are free to terrorise the public. One innocent life lost in a recent staged encounter was that of Shah Nawaz Kunbhar, a doctor from Umerkot, Sindh, who was killed in a bogus shoot-out on Sept 19. The victim was accused of committing blasphemy and in police custody when — as a report issued by the Sindh government confirmed on Thursday — he was killed in a “managed encounter” by Mirpurkhas police.

As the inquiry report notes, those involved in the staged shoot-out were feted as heroes. This particular fake encounter has been confirmed by the authorities because of the hue and cry raised by civil society over Kunbhar’s murder. But the grim fact is that many such people are gunned down by law enforcers across Pakistan every year in similarly dubious circumstances.

According to HRCP, there were nearly 3,300 encounters reported in Sindh alone in 2023. The Sindh Police say 289 suspects were killed in these operations. Figures from other provinces are far lower, but this may be a case of possible underreporting.

The fact is that LEAs resort to dodgy encounters because the law enforcement and criminal justice systems are failing. If prosecutors were building strong cases against suspects, and courts were punishing individuals based on solid evidence, there would be no ‘need’ for fake shoot-outs. Encounters are in fact a ‘shortcut’ law enforcers apply to cover up their own failures and lack of ability. But these dubious methods fly in the face of justice, and violate the fundamental rights of the victims.

Police forces in all provinces must take a strong stand against the culture of encounters, and ensure that LEAs’ personnel operate by the book. Instead of being lionised, those personnel involved in staging encounters need to be penalised and prosecuted. Instead of making society safer, encounters encourage a culture of impunity and lawlessness, and do little to deter the actual criminals.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....