K-P Protests Against Custodial Torture: Impact on Justice System
Scores were left injured on Friday as police and protesters clashed in the Tehkal area of Peshawar in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The clashes erupted as protesters demonstrated against the reported excesses of the police force, particularly in the case of an Afghan national who was allegedly detained, stripped, paraded naked, and tortured for abusing officers in a video. Several protests and rallies were organized across the province to condemn the torture inflicted upon Rafiullah, also known as Amir from Tehkal.
Protests and Demonstrations
The largest protests were held in the Tehkal area, outside the Peshawar Press Club, and in front of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly building. Protesters carried banners denouncing police brutality, the filming of detainees in compromising situations, and the subsequent leaking of such videos. They demanded a judicial inquiry into the case and blocked the road for nearly two hours, causing significant traffic disruptions. Former Awami National Party (ANP) provincial assembly member Alamgir Khan Khalil and members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Youth Wing were among the participants in the protest.
Clashes and Injuries
As the protesters approached the provincial assembly, they were met with police officers in riot gear. Subsequently, clashes broke out with protesters hurling stones at the police, who responded by firing tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. The confrontations resulted in injuries to numerous protesters and police officers involved in the clash.
Call for Judicial Inquiry
In response to the outcry, the provincial government swiftly took action by suspending and booking the four police personnel allegedly involved in the incident, including a Station House Officer (SHO). The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operation was also relieved of his duties. The government has requested the Peshawar High Court to nominate a judge to lead a judicial commission to investigate the Tehkal incident under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tribunal of Inquiry Ordinance. The commission has been instructed to identify those accountable for the incident, who will then face legal consequences. The inquiry is expected to be completed within 15 days, with the findings to be made public.
Message of Caution
While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Adviser to the K-P Chief Minister on Information, Ajmal Wazir, urged the public not to generalize the actions of a few police officers to the entire department. He emphasized the crucial role played by the police force in combating terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic, urging for a fair and thorough investigation into the incident without tarnishing the reputation of the entire force.
As we reflect on this incident, it is essential to consider the broader implications of police brutality and custodial torture. It raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights within law enforcement agencies. The protests in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa serve as a poignant reminder of the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuses of power and ensure justice for all individuals, regardless of their background or status. Let’s strive towards a society where the rule of law is upheld, and the rights of every individual are respected and protected.
