A recent promotion in the police force has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage, exposing the deep-seated corruption and nepotism that plagues Pakistan’s bureaucracy. The elevation of former CCPO Peshawar and NAB-affected DIG Abbas Ahsan to grade 21 has sent shockwaves through the ranks, with many questioning the criteria used for his promotion.
Abbas Ahsan’s career has been marred by controversy, with allegations of corruption and misconduct dogging his every step. His father, former police officer Ahsan Mukhtar Ashraf, was denied promotion due to serious allegations of corruption in FRP police recruitment. Yet, surprisingly, Abbas Ahsan’s own questionable record did not hinder his rise through the ranks.
Critics point to Abbas Ahsan’s close ties to General Faiz as the reason for his meteoric rise. His brother, Colonel Ali, was also posted with General Faiz, raising further suspicions of nepotism. The promotion of Abbas Ahsan has left many wondering if merit and performance are no longer relevant in Pakistan’s police force.
Meanwhile, honest and hardworking officers like Aul Khan and Feroz Shah have been denied promotion, despite their exemplary records. Aul Khan, a police officer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is widely respected for his integrity, but the Central Selection Board seems to have overlooked his merits. Feroz Shah, another outstanding officer, has been denied promotion for the third time, leaving many to question the criteria used by the board.
The promotion of Abbas Ahsan and the snubbing of honest officers like Aul Khan and Feroz Shah have raised serious questions about the integrity of Pakistan’s police force. It appears that corruption and nepotism have become entrenched in the system, with those who are “well-connected” receiving preferential treatment.
This is not just a matter of individual officers being unfairly treated; it is a symptom of a broader systemic problem. The police force is supposed to uphold the law and protect citizens, but how can they do so when corruption and nepotism are rampant?
The people of Pakistan deserve better. They deserve a police force that is transparent, accountable, and merit-based. It is time for the authorities to take a hard look at the system and implement reforms to root out corruption and nepotism. Otherwise, the trust of the people will be lost forever, and the rule of law will become a mere fiction.
