The attack on Karachi police office lays bare the tough security questions

Predictably, an enquiry has been ordered following the terror attack on the Karachi Police Chief Office (KPO), but as traditions go, there won’t be many lessons learned.

Typically, there will be a fall guy. The Station House officer (SHO) or a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) will be suspended for the security lapse, and will eventually be reinstated. 

The enemy achieved its target and now has gained a psychological edge. Thanks to the Special Security Unit (SSU), an even bigger debacle was avoided, but the incident has left many question marks in its wake.

In the early evening of February 17, three militants conveniently drove their car to the adjacent Saddar Police Station, parked it nearby and before somebody could react to their movements, had reached the entrance of the KPO. The scant picket was easily neutralized when they hurled a hand grenade. Then they made their way straight inside and began indiscriminately firing. Perhaps their target was the police chief whose office was on the top floor. All wore suicide jackets and carried weapons and had dry rations with them – an indication of their long plans to stay while keeping officials hostage. 

Luckily, the police chief and other officers had left the office by that time, though clerical staff was still at work. Security on the rooftop had abandoned its post too – a big mistake.  

Those periods of unrest and uncertainty, are they back? Are we again in the same milieu? Who is to blame? Certainly, it is the TPP but let’s look inward. 

Dr Syed Kaleem Imam

Before they could accomplish their task, the SSU was on their heads, and all three were killed. As per initial reports, two policemen, one ranger and one civilian were martyred and 14 were injured.  Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) accepted responsibility for the attack.

The incident is a recap of many other terror attacks in Karachi in the past-- Karachi Airport, Chinese Consulate, Stock exchange building.  Those periods of unrest and uncertainty, are they back? Are we again in the same milieu? Who is to blame? Certainly, it is the TPP but let’s look inward. 

Let’s ask the difficult questions. Do police have enough resources to guard themselves? Are police independent in taking decisions or are their hands tied? Are police being pushed to partake in political crises, forced to play their part in political games of vengeance?

As a former provincial police chief, I can vouch that the police in this country is skilled enough to meet any crisis and they proved it in the Karachi attack last week. But of course, it’s made a dent in tall claims that seek to reassure people that all is well, that the city is in safe hands, and that citizens can sleep in peace.

After the Peshawar Masjid blast which too happened in a police compound just a few days ago, killed over 100 innocent worshippers, plus a series of terror incidents, the police should have been on high alert. Where were our intelligence agencies? How many police officials are on protocol duties, safeguarding VIP’s and let me be blunt – protecting the relatives of VIP’s?

Those who are authorized to keep security wish to double their strength. Approximately 50 percent of the police force is deployed in non-professional or non-authorized duties. It's high time the senior leadership of police gets up and says, “No more sir. Let us do our duty to the country.”

As per ratio, the police in Pakistan have only 10 people in service and 10,000 to protect. Let it also be clear, this is the beginning. If we cannot protect KPO, will we be able to safeguard other police stations or if we protect police stations, will we be able to secure all the government offices? The answer is not promising, and we need to revisit our National Security Policy. 

The reins of the country should be in hands who have the courage to accept the obligation of their positions. Time is running out. People are frustrated and cannot take on this new dimension of terrorism knocking at their doors.  

Are our rulers willing to look at these directions? Apparently not. All their energies are being consumed elsewhere. They continue to enjoy the perks and privileges of government and then pass on the buck saying, “The power was not in my hands.” 

- The writer holds a doctorate in politics and international relations and has served as a federal secretary and inspector-general of police. He tweets @KaleemImam.