This is with reference to the editorial ‘Call for arms’ (Jan 27). It is unfortunate to say that the government has abdicated its responsibility by employing private workers or individuals to fight street crimes. Handing over its duty in sectors like health and education is quite different from letting private workers take over law and order situation in a city.
The scheme, People’s Chowkidari System, introduced by the Sindh government under which arms and ammunition were distributed among watchmen in Naudero, seems to be an illogical step. Instead of launching a crackdown against street criminals in society, the residents are being armed to fight dangerous thugs, while it is actually the job of the police.
Despite being the largest and one of the most so-called developed cities, Karachi is the one plagued by street crimes the most. It looks obvious that the manner in which street criminals operate without any fear that they are involved in terrorising citizens with the ‘cooperation’ of law-enforcement agencies.
It would be better to have a professional police force having personnel recruited on merit, having advanced training and arms, rather than leaving the citizens on the mercy of ruthless criminals who have no remorse even if they kill people on even the slightest of resistance or even displeasure expressed by their victims.
People are not trained for law-enforcement, and having gunfights with hardened or trigger-happy criminals is not their job. The provincial government must raise a professional and efficient police force capable of dealing with the criminals instead of shifting that responsibility on to hapless citizens.
MAZHAR YOUSUF ANSARI
HYDERABAD
