Behind the Chairman’s Door

An Open Letter to The Chief Minister and Home Minister of Sindh;

After watching your numerous representatives come on television and talk about how law and order is your first priority, I would like to bring to your attention a case of police incompetence that I got to take part in last night.

I have family that lives on Khayban-e-Shujaat in Defence Karachi. In front of their home, someone parked a car (AAK 272) and left it, telling the chowkidars around the house that they had permission from the people who live there. The car has been there since 8 pm last night.

Now here is where the story gets fun. The police were called to come and remove the car, since the home owners have not given anyone permission to park there. Our Karachi Police showed up and promptly reported that the vehicle was clean, not involved in any murders nor stolen and if we wanted the car removed, we have to pay for the lifter to come and remove it.

While waiting for the police to arrive, friends at the Naval Housing Society called to let us know that there had been a major robbery in the area and the robbers were waiting inside the home for the people to come back.

We also called the Chief Minister’s House complaint line and made the same complaint, only to get no action.

This morning, the car still stands there. I have spoken to the police and Chief Minister’s house, neither willing to take any action. The last update that I got was that the police were on the scene now but had again repeated their demand for payment to remove the car.

So it is clear to us now. If we are willing to give the police “chai paani,” then our citizens will be kept secure; otherwise, we have no right to security.