37-
POLICE AND INTERROGATION CENTRES
In our country, the Police
Administration has totally collapsed. For this reason crime is on
the increase and the law and order situation is deteriorating day
by day. There is only one way to improve the situation, that is,
the entire Police system should be restructured on scientific
basis. MQM wants to restructure the Police system in such a way
that educated people are attracted to join the Police force.
MQM is in favour of local policing
in all regions because people who join the Police Department
locally and perform their duties in their locality, would be more
able to control crimes in the area. MQM says that Policemen
should be recruited from the District they live in. Matriculation
should be made as a minimum qualification for entry into the
Police force.
There should be sufficient increase
in the remuneration of ordinary Policemen, and steps should be
taken for their economic betterment so that they may lead their
lives honourably and not be tempted into corruption and bribery.
In the Police service an effective
method of accountability must be set-up so that necessary actions
may be taken against Police officials violating the laid down
laws. Let the Administration of Accountability (Ehtesab) not only
be applicable to lower ranking officers but should also be
extended to higher ranking Police officers.
The Police department must be
structured on modern scientific lines. Today, the civilised world
regards the act of violence towards accused persons as barbaric
and many countries of the world prefer scientific and
psychological methods of interrogation. It is a matter of great
regret that in our country the interrogation centres have torture
cells where the detainees are subjected to such brutal tortures
that during the course of interrogation they die. Despite such
illegal and inhuman practices, enquiries are not conducted into
such cases, let alone punishment meted out to guilty officials.
With a view to correcting this deplorable situation it is essential to eliminate all government sponsored torture cells in Police stations, forthwith. For the purpose of interrogation modern scientific and psychological methods should be employed. Moreover, such laws should be passed which would award severe punishment to the officials who are guilty of torture during interrogation. In this regard the powers and discretion of courts of law should be extended so that the aggrieved parties may get speedy and effective justice.