Introduction: Don’t Wait for the System—Be the Change We often hear: “The police system in Pakistan is corrupt and broken.” But here’s t...
Introduction: Don’t Wait for the System—Be the Change
We often hear:
“The police system in Pakistan is corrupt and broken.”
But here’s the real question:
Can a broken system fix itself if no one takes the first step?
The transformation of the Pakistan Police doesn't need to begin at the top. It begins with the individual officer—their attitude, honesty, and sense of responsibility. If every officer commits to integrity, the system will evolve naturally. This article explores how individual actions can create collective change in Pakistan’s policing system.
Why the Current Approach Isn’t Working
Blaming the system without personal accountability is like expecting a car to move without fuel. Reforms have been announced, committees formed, and laws proposed, yet public trust remains low.
Common Issues in the Current Police Culture:
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Corruption at multiple levels
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Political influence and favoritism
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Harassment and lack of public service ethics
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Absence of internal accountability
The truth is, the structure is only as strong as the people upholding it.
What Every Police Officer Can Do — Starting Now
✅ 1. Embrace Personal Integrity
Before expecting systemic change, officers must ask:
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Am I honest with my duty?
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Do I accept bribes or favors?
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Do I treat the public with dignity?
If the answer is not affirmative, the problem is no longer just the system—it’s us.
✅ 2. Lead by Example
You don’t need a senior rank to inspire change. Actions speak louder than orders:
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Show up on time
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Refuse bribes, no matter how small
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Serve every citizen equally, regardless of status
“You can’t preach discipline if you lack it yourself.”
✅ 3. Create a Ripple Effect of Honesty
When one officer demonstrates professionalism, it:
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Builds public trust
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Motivates fellow officers
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Embarrasses corrupt behaviors
Your honesty can trigger a chain reaction of reform.
How to Encourage a Positive Culture Within the Force
🔹 Support Whistleblowers
Instead of isolating those who speak up, support and protect them. Internal accountability is the strongest deterrent to corruption.
🔹 Promote Training on Ethics
Continuous workshops on integrity, public service, and human rights can transform mindset and approach.
🔹 Celebrate the Good
Highlight stories of honest officers on social media and within departments to shift the narrative from negative to positive.
Waiting for “Systemic Change” Is a Trap
Many officers justify unethical behavior by saying:
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“Everyone does it.”
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“I have to feed my family.”
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“The system is flawed—what difference will I make?”
But the truth is: systems don’t magically fix themselves—people fix systems.
If you keep waiting for change to come top-down, it might never arrive. But when change is bottom-up, it becomes unavoidable.
Summary: What Can Be Done Right Now?
🔸 As a Police Officer:
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Commit to zero tolerance for bribes
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Treat civilians as equals, not threats
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Mentor younger officers on professional ethics
🔸 As a Leader in the Force:
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Reward honesty over connections
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Create complaint and reporting channels
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Provide emotional and mental health support
Final Thoughts: You Are the Change
Pakistan needs a police force that commands respect not by fear, but by service.
Don’t underestimate your power as an individual. One honest officer can impact hundreds of lives—on the street, in the station, and in the hearts of future generations.
"Be the officer who doesn’t wait for orders to do what’s right—be the one others follow without being told."
