The Distant White Uniforms and the Black Signal
The scenario above was more than funny to watch which later turned the spectator into the victim of the corruption.
This place is after Cannt Station, coming from Kalapul its the first left (point A) then then the first right (Point B) which leads to Teen Talwar straight ahead. I saw the unusual traffic Jam at point B. I noticed the black signal and no officers to control the traffic. Its been around a week since I’m observing this drama. On Monday it was around five cops on point A, dealing with multiple bikers and bus drivers and just a couple of meters ahead there is this malfunctioning signal with vehicles dangerously crossing from all four directions.
Every morning I watched this cop on standby on point “A” turn, high alert to stop anyone abusing the law or breaking the signal. On Tuesday he pulled me over on just about nothing, and when I failed to present the original ID card and the original documents of my vehicle (I showed him the duplicate though) he said the vehicle will be impounded and I will be fined for 350 Rupees.
Unfortunately, when I was taking the ID card out of my wallet he observed how much was I accompanying with me. That was the stupidest thing that I could do to hold the wallet in a way where he could see it clearly. Anyway… I asked for any other way around, he said give me 350 Rupees. I said its too much, he than agreed on 200 Rupees. I gave him the money and continued towards the office as I was already late.
I know I did wrong and gave him the money, but I realized it a bit late what I should have done. Maybe the hurry for reaching office was the factor or probably the avoidance to all the hassle. But now what is it that I can do? and that’s why I’m posting it here, probably any reader could be the next victim. I know for sure that I will put this into the cops’ attention the next time he pulls me over on just about nothing. There is nothing illegal or heroic in correcting the wrong when you are sure you are on the right side. But you have to make sure you are on the right side.
Note: Sorry for the poor quality of the picture, I had a very little time to take it. I saw the same scene today, literally took a u-turn from the broken signal, stopped on the other side to take a picture of the cop who was dealing with this person on the left most side in the left picture. When I took the phone out and pointed at him, he got on the bike and moved in other direction while watching what I was doing. The first picture got messed up as a car passed by :S the second picture is there. (I still need to buy a good phone :[ ).
Always Keep Following Documents When Driving:
I) Original Driving License
II) Copy of the NIC Card
III) Photocopy of the Car Documents (attested by a 18 grade government officer)
IV) Copy of the Insurance Certificate
V) If you are driving someone else’s car – a permission letter – signed by the owner (although it’s not important)
WHAT TO DO WHEN A TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICER STOPS YOU?
Check if there’s no one around to stop you – and yes, you heard it – ignore him!!!!
WHAT IF HE STOPS YOU?
Yell at him – best form of defense is to attack!
IF THE TRAFFIC OFFICER WANTS TO CHALLAN YOU? AND YOU DON’T HAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS, NO LINKS?
GIVE HIM A ‘LAL PATI’
While barristerakc provides one way of resolving the situation, I think you did what is – unfortunately – the necessary thing to do.
Who will police the police? That is an age old question which still seems to remain unresloved in our unfortunate country. Start the rule of law from the top. The things are bound to improve at lower levels.
Yeah police walay – ask them their Father’s name and they will say Quaid-a-Azam :) ! Thanx for the post,
always answer i have nothing., 50 rupay lai lo, start with Rs. 50 and close at 100.00 even if you have stolen motorbike – motorcar :)
you could have told him you are a journo and he would have given you a lal patti.
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Who will police the police?
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I guess the question to ask in Pakistan is:
Who will police the judges and lawyers?
These two are the MOST corrupt people in Pakistan. In fact, police vaalo’n kee badmaashi inn judges aur vakeelo’n kay balbootay per hae!
you mean the JUDGES who took oath under PCO and the LAWYERs like Malik Qayum & Wasim Sajjad who sell their professional integrity for (as per paper reports ) 100K (the fee MUSH baba gave him from our blood and tax money) in CJP case?