POLICING IN PAKISTAN: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES FOR REFORM

Abstract

Policing is a critical component of the criminal justice system, responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and enforcing the law. In Pakistan, policing has a long history, with the police force being established during the British colonial era. However, over the years, the police force has faced numerous challenges, including corruption, inadequate training, and inefficient organizational structure. These challenges have resulted in poor public confidence in the police, which has hindered the ability of law enforcement agencies to effectively address crime and maintain law and order. The current legal framework governing policing in Pakistan is the Police Order, 2002, which provides the basis for the organization and functioning of the police force. However, this framework has faced criticism for being inadequate and outdated, failing to address the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. Moreover, the police force in Pakistan is decentralized, with district police officers responsible for maintaining law and order at the local level. This decentralization has led to inefficiencies and duplication of efforts, as different districts may have different priorities and strategies for addressing crime. In recent years, there have been efforts to reform the police force in Pakistan, including the establishment of the Pakistan Police Academy to provide training and capacity building to police officers. However, these efforts have been hampered by a lack of resources, corruption, and political interference. As a result, the police force in Pakistan continues to face significant challenges in terms of capacity, capability, and legitimacy.