Policing Karachi

THE increasing number of policemen killed in Karachi underscores the huge challenges faced by the law enforcers in a city where strands of violence include both ordinary crime and organised militancy. In recent days, the latter took the lives of some 11 policemen in one attack.

About 33,000 personnel of Karachi police deployed in 113 police stations are policing 22 million inhabitants. In comparison, the 22-million population of Delhi is protected by 70,000 cops deployed in 180 police stations.

Since independence, there have been more than 100 major incidents of terrorism and unrest in Karachi. Lawlessness has resulted from ethnic, sectarian and political tensions fuelled by mafias and terrorist groups.

As a result of the nexus between criminals, mafias and terrorists, the Karachi police has a gigantic task before it. If the police opt for inaction, innocent people are targeted or kidnapped but if the police assert their role, they have to pay the price. A public-police partnership is inevitable.

In September 2013, the government mandated the police and Rangers to carry out a targeted operation in Karachi. Prior to the operation, over a period of eight months, 22 incidents of terrorism were reported; during the last five months, 11 have been reported.

Over the past five months more than 9,400 raids were conducted. In over 700 encounters more than 100 suspected criminals were killed and over 14,000, including many proclaimed offenders, arrested; over 200 accused were produced in anti-terrorism courts and more than 7,000 in other courts.

A declining trend has been witnessed in targeted killings. In 2013, from January to August, 929 persons were targeted which shows an average of 116 targeted killings in a month. Since the commencement of the operations, the average has gone down to 78 per month.

Proceeds earned from kidnapping for ransom, extortion and bank robberies provide oxygen to the militants to finance their missions. Twenty-four bank robberies were reported in 2012 and 29 in 2013. Kidnapping for ransom is another stark reality. In 2013, kidnapping for ransom registered a rising trend. Bank security needs to be tightened while the public must be educated about kidnapping and possible preventive measures.

In Karachi, the CPLC played an effective role in the prevention and detection of carjacking and kidnappings. Owing to its success its role needs to be augmented.

Meanwhile, during the operation some 3,400 pistols were recovered. That shows an average daily recovery of only 22 pistols. De-weaponisation is the need of the hour. Last year an initiative was introduced but it failed to motivate those who possess illegal weapons. De-weaponisation requires volunteers, political support, a ban on new licences and permits, and zero tolerance at the police station. Policemen recovering more than two weapons should be rewarded.

Without intelligence, policing Karachi is a wild goose chase. Mushrooming slums, easy criminal access to SIMs and stolen vehicles and the presence of 1.5 million illegal immigrants has made the job tougher. This situation requires a combination of strategies such as intelligence-led community policing and problem-oriented policing. With the present style of ‘fire brigade policing’, we only extinguish the flame temporarily. In between incidents we try to plug the holes with excuses. Nowhere in the world has reactive policing earned the public’s trust. In fact, it is a source of embarrassment.

A proactive approach requires an assertive, intelligent and apolitical police leadership. Such leadership is always looked up to by the general public. We should decide whether policing is to be carried out to benefit only our elites or is it meant for the general public.

In 1994, when the New York Police Department faced rising crime statistics, it lost the public’s confidence. William Bratton was appointed police commissioner. He favoured decentralised policing and restructured a demoralised force. His principles of policing were based on building trust, the timely use of intelligence and zero tolerance. His success is known as the ‘New York miracle’ and it is claimed that crime went down by 37pc.

Moreover, during 2002-13, the Karachi and Delhi police saw 13 and five police chiefs respectively. Article 12 of the Police Order 2002 stipulates that security of tenure for the chief of the Capital City Police is to be a minimum three years but that has never been followed.

The total budget of Karachi police is Rs11.56 billion out which only Rs973 million is the operational amount. The rest goes towards salaries. It is imperative to increase its operational and development budget.

The challenge can be faced squarely through training, financing, empowerment, de-politicisation and the use of technology. It can be achieved only with the cooperation of the public, politicians and police.

The writer is a deputy inspector general of the police.

alibabakhel@hotmail.com