In a sea of lies: Challenges facing Pakistan’s law enforcement

In the age of deception, law enforcement confronts a complex and formidable landscape where multiple factors converge to catalyze crime and impede their efforts. Disinformation has become a social norm, blurring the line between unintentional misinformation and deliberate spreading of falsehoods with malicious intent. The truth seems to be hiding in oblivion, while lies prosper.

False propaganda further complicates the already challenging task of truth-finding for law enforcers. False complaints, swayed witnesses, and accused individuals manipulating fact to evade charges have become accepted norms. Widespread misinformation influences judicial proceedings, resulting in the unjust ostracization of innocent people.

The pervasiveness of false information, propaganda, and deception has hindered investigations, eroded public trust, and caused social ills. Confirmation bias and cognitive predispositions make individuals susceptible to manipulation and the acceptance of false narratives. Amid this multifaceted network of deceit, law enforcement is expected to distinguish truth from falsehood, adding complexity to their work.

Recent incidents, such as the unprecedented events of May 9, have provided opportunities for nefarious minds to harm or teach lessons to rivals. Making a social pronouncement or a simple phone call can put someone in hot water. The endless array of accusations from various parties adds to this daunting challenge.

Law enforcement now faces a complex and formidable landscape where socioeconomic disparities, income inequality, the lack of educational opportunities, and the rise of pseudo-intellectualism deepens the cycle of criminality. Weak social support systems leave individuals vulnerable to crime, while gang activity and organized crime fosters violence. Among economic uncertainty, poor governance, and societal disorder, conspiracy narratives overshadow reality.

As a law enforcer, I have been perplexed by the malicious construction of evidence when building a case against an accused. The First Information Report (FIR) often functions as a charge sheet, leaving little room for investigators. For the applicant, the crime stands proven, and the perpetrator is instantly sent behind bars and ultimately to the gallows.

The mixing and matching of audio and video have become normal in this age. Even experienced officers are confounded by fake audios that closely resemble reality.

Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam

Deception has been used as a tactic of war, but in this social media era, it has become a stark battle between veracity and falsehood. Unfortunately, media heavyweights, businessmen, politicians, and self-proclaimed religious bigots seem to be winning over the minds of the naive and innocent.

The mixing and matching of audio and video have become normal in this age. Even experienced officers are confounded by fake audios that closely resemble reality.

The charge of blasphemy, one of the most heinous accusations, is also the easiest to level. If the police fails to act swiftly and wisely, the accused may face indictment by the crowd, with the mob proclaiming instant execution as the verdict. Similarly, many honor crimes have personal grudges or ulterior motives behind them.

In Pakistan, a country still grappling with the polio virus, uninformed parents often refuse vaccinations and may resort to brutally murdering innocent vaccination teams. For the sake of their future generations, murderers believe that executing vaccination teams is justified, unaware that they are victims of malicious campaigns against vaccines, ignorant of the catastrophe that awaits their children.

With a country of over 240 million people, where deceit is widespread, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) stands as the sole department dealing with cybercrime. However, its limited resources and the escalating volume of crimes have stretched its capacity beyond limits. 

It is crucial for other law enforcement agencies to step up and build augmented capacity, while lawmakers extend their jurisdiction to other relevant agencies. Combating online fraud, blackmail, harassment, and false news on social media requires the formation of awareness groups and the establishment of specialized units.

In this journey, partnerships with technology companies and the implementation of robust fact-checking mechanisms are vital to combat disinformation and restore the integrity of law enforcement. Contrary to what is ethically wrong, it is unacceptable to answer a fabrication with another falsehood. Only the unvarnished truth has the power to prevail. Policing is truly effective when action speaks louder than mere image-building stunts that are unlikely to last.

In our unwavering pursuit of truth in a tumultuous sea of lies, it is the strength of good law enforcement that can restore the essence of lost social grace.

– 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.