卡内基国际和平基金会-Political-Dimensions-of-Police-Reform-in-Pakistan_10页_206kb

Summary of Political Dimensions of Police Reform in Pakistan

Core Content

The document discusses the critical need for police reform in Pakistan and highlights the complex relationship between the police, military intelligence agencies, and the civilian government. It emphasizes that reforming the civilian security forces, particularly the police, is essential for restoring public confidence in the government and enhancing political legitimacy.

Main Points

• Police Reform and Political Legitimacy:
  Strengthening the police force is crucial for long-term security and reducing the civilian government's reliance on the military. A strong, efficient police service can increase the regime's legitimacy by effectively managing security at the grassroots level.

• Historical Context of Police Politicization:
  The police have historically been used as a tool of repression by both civilian and military regimes. Recruitment, training, promotion, and posting were based on political loyalty rather than merit, leading to a decline in police standards and public trust.

• Role of Intelligence Agencies:
  Military intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI, have often undermined the independence and effectiveness of the police. They have been involved in investigations, sometimes to the detriment of the police's ability to perform their duties. This interference has created a culture of mistrust and has led to a lack of clarity in the police's role.

• Kerry-Lugar-Berman Law:
  This U.S. law provides a framework for police reform, including conditions tied to democratic norms and constitutional respect. However, the law's flexibility, which allows for slowing aid to influence behavior, has been misused in favor of short-term military interests rather than long-term police development.

• Military's Dominance:
  The military has consistently resisted efforts to empower the police, preferring to maintain its own role as the sole security provider. This resistance has led to the politicization of police appointments and the subordination of police functions to military objectives.

• Impact of Devolution:
  While the 2002 Police Act aimed to improve police autonomy and efficiency, the 2004 amendments weakened these reforms by reintroducing political interference. The police remained dependent on political figures for career advancement, undermining their independence.

• Capacity Building and Political Will:
  Police reform cannot be achieved through technical assistance alone. It requires a genuine political will to fight terrorism and ensure that the police operate independently. The current dilemma of balancing capacity building with military interests must be resolved to ensure effective reform.

• Militarization of Police:
  Despite efforts to modernize the police, the institution remains heavily influenced by the military. The training of police officers by the army and the presence of former military personnel in key roles suggest a continued trend of militarization.

Key Information

• Challenges:

  • Police are often politicized and used for repression.
  • Intelligence agencies, especially the ISI, interfere in police investigations and operations.
  • The military resists police autonomy, viewing itself as the sole security provider.
  • Reform efforts have been undermined by political interference and lack of genuine commitment.

• Recommendations:

  • Police reform should be conditioned on legislative and regulatory changes.
  • Assistance should ensure that police forces are used for public service, not military repression.
  • Capacity building must be part of a broader democratic process.
  • The Kerry-Lugar-Berman law should be applied more strictly to ensure accountability and effectiveness.

• Success Stories and Failures:

  • The National Highways and Motorways Police is cited as a model of effective reform, but it lacks political content.
  • The failed Times Square attack highlights the urgency of police reform in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Police reform in Pakistan is not merely a technical or administrative challenge, but a deeply political one. Without addressing the institutional and structural issues that have led to the politicization and militarization of the police, any reform will likely fail. The document calls for a more rigorous application of reform frameworks, particularly the Kerry-Lugar-Berman law, to ensure that the police serve the public interest and not the interests of the military or political elites.