Upright police officers sacrificed against corruption

Islamabad : While the insidious tendrils of corruption, the abuse of authority fostering public fear and harassment, and the ingrained ‘origin of discrimination’ have unfortunately stained the reputation of the police force, a dedicated cadre within strives to reclaim its honour. These principled individuals aspire to adorn the department with the distinguished crown of unwavering honesty and exemplary professionalism.

B.A. Nasir, a distinguished Grade-22 officer within the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), stands as a beacon of integrity, widely regarded as a uniquely principled figure in contemporary law enforcement. A name synonymous with unwavering integrity and a profound commitment to upholding the honour of the nation.

However, the intrinsic value of such upright officers has historically been overlooked by both political and dictatorial regimes, each seemingly prioritising subservient ‘Yes Men’ to facilitate governance unchecked by legal and constitutional boundaries.

He is not an ordinary officer but curious in term of his national and international services during his attachment with UN Peacekeeping Mission.

He embodies the rare quality of a leader driven by a passion to serve, effortlessly earning the respect and admiration of those he encounters. While many aspire to meet and learn from this exemplary figure, his impact is already tangible through his compelling public profile.

The then Grade 21 officer approaches his duties with the solemnity of a sacred trust, a dedication that seemingly draws success to him. His distinguished service under the UN Mission spanned 55 nations, including the volatile landscapes of the former Yugoslavia, where his consummate professionalism garnered widespread respect on the global stage.

His exceptional skills and unwavering professionalism culminated in a historic testament to his capabilities when the United Nations entrusted him with the formidable task of leading a team investigating war crimes in the former Yugoslavia. This pivotal assignment tasked him with scrutinising the actions of the then Minister of Interior, high-ranking military commanders, and other officials implicated in heinous war crimes. As the lead investigator, B.A. Nasir meticulously conducted the inquiry, culminating in a robust and irrefutable report presented before the War Crimes Tribunal. The thoroughness of his investigation proved instrumental in securing significant convictions, including a 27-year prison sentence for the former Interior Minister and a 45-year sentence for a corps commander.

Beyond his remarkable achievements in international justice, this officer possesses a formidable expertise in modern policing and administration, complemented by extensive international experience in the intricate realms of organized crime and serious offenses. His distinguished career encompasses 25 years dedicated to local and international investigations of grave crimes, further enriched by five years of specialised experience in the complex field of war crimes investigations.

Despite the accolades bestowed upon him by the United Nations for his exceptional skill and dedicated service, a lamentable reality persists, his profound talents have remained largely untapped in the crucial endeavour of reforming Pakistan’s faltering policing system. Insidious elements within the governmental structure, wielding their corrupt influence, have systematically denied him meaningful opportunities, relegating him to inconsequential roles where his expertise lies dormant. Records starkly illustrate this deliberate marginalisation, revealing an astonishing innocuous nine transfers (entirely innocuous for the rulers), in a mere two and a quarter years, an average of a new posting every three months - a clear indication of a calculated effort to stifle his potential and prevent his invaluable contributions to national law enforcement.

He as the Inspector General of the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP), marks a significant entrustment of leadership for a vital federal law enforcement agency. His extensive and impactful career has positioned him as a figure of considerable experience and authority within the policing landscape.

Upon assuming the mantle of Inspector General of the National Highways and Motorway Police, he articulated a resolute vision centred on fortifying the esteemed force and enhancing its service to the public. He underscored the paramount importance of upholding the NHMP’s globally recognised legacy of honesty and integrity, a cornerstone of public trust. His strategic priorities include ensuring the swift and efficient provision of assistance to travellers navigating national highways, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, and proactively working towards the prevention of traffic accidents. To achieve these objectives, IG Nasir announced the implementation of targeted training courses designed to elevate the performance and capabilities of NHMP officers. Recognising the transformative power of innovation, he also emphasized the strategic utilisation of modern technology to enhance the safety and security of national highways, striving to create crime-free corridors. Furthermore, he pledged strict enforcement of axle load regulations to mitigate the detrimental effects of overloading. Recognising that the strength of the force lies within its personnel, IG Nasir affirmed his commitment to undertaking comprehensive measures for the welfare and well-being of all departmental employees.

Due to the governments’ wrong and meritless political preferences, many competent officers like Zulfiqar Cheema, Nasir Khan Durrani, Bashir Memon, Asim Gulzar, Ehsaan Sadiq, Mohsin Butt, Sultan Azam Temuri and Ashfaq Ahmad Khan, were denied the opportunity to apply their talents. On the other hand, individuals who were found involved in corruption involving billions of rupees during their time at the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), were given important administrative posts, including provincial leadership.