Sir: It is unfortunate that when ordinary Pakistanis take their complaints to the police, they are ignored, harassed, extorted or turned away. The police behave like private thugs hired by those in power. Police brutality is widespread. This has led to a trust deficit between the citizens of Pakistan and the police. Furthermore, criminality has become entrenched in the Pakistani police. A civilised society cannot function or even exist in this situation. Furthermore, this state of affairs shows that the government exists to victimise Pakistanis and not to serve them. It is my request to the government of Pakistan to take note of this scenario and act to reform the police force. Specifically, they should make the police improve their conduct towards citizens and give jail sentences to corrupt policemen. FATIMA NAZEER Kech Published in Daily Times, October 21st 2017.