THIS is with reference to the report “Police officers ‘expose’ each other to escape action in ex-MPA attack case” (Oct 21), according to which, the deputy inspector-general (DIG) of Sukkur blamed the senior superintendent of police (SSP), Ghotki, for having ties with the criminals. The allegations levelled by one high-ranking police officer against another should be alarming.

If officers of such a high rank happen to be in a nexus with the outlaws and criminals, the situation raises questions about the selection, recruitment and training process of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

There is also a general perception that during service, most police officials, instead of focussing on their professional duties with impartiality and honesty, manage and develop personal business entities; business empires, actually. A couple of years ago, a DIG in Hyderabad was accused of hoarding wheat stock in Kotri godowns. This was not an isolated incident.

All this has been happening only in Sindh due to the lengthy posting periods of officers. For making them more efficient and professional, they should not be allowed to stay posted at any place and province for more than five years. The long-term stay of the officers clearly encourages corruption within the system.

Nabi Bux Sathio
Tando Muhammad Khan

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024