3 weeks Ago
The Punjab Police has long faced criticism for its heavy-handed approach, often marked more by brute force than by subtlety or professionalism. But two recent incidents suggest that the force has strayed even further from the ideals of a disciplined law enforcement agency, adopting instead the alarming posture of a vigilante group. These actions undermine the very foundations of Pakistan’s legal system, particularly the principles of due process and the dignity afforded to all individuals, regardless of the accusations against them.
In the first case, police detained individuals for flying kites—an activity banned under provincial law—shaved their heads as punishment, and then publicly humiliated them by uploading the videos to social media. In the second incident, officers raided a private gathering in Kasur, filmed the attendees, including women, and released the footage online. Both cases represent a flagrant violation of the presumption of innocence and the right to due process.
The police acted not just as enforcers of the law, but as judge, jury, and executioner—delivering punishment on the spot and leveraging social media to shame and intimidate. This is not policing; this is mob justice carried out under the guise of authority. The consequences are particularly dire for the women whose images were shared, many of whom now face harassment and social ostracism in a conservative society.
These actions not only violate their privacy but place their safety and mental well-being at risk. PREDA announces strategic partnership with leading law firm Such conduct reveals a troubling truth: the Punjab Police, at least in these instances, acted with impunity, disregarding legal norms and ethical standards. If law enforcement officers feel empowered to mete out punishments at will, the distinction between those sworn to uphold the law and those who flout it begins to blur.
Tags: police vigilantes.
