Daily Times

The novel coronavirus has severely affected lives of human beings in all corners of the world. The situation is becoming worse day by day in most of the developing world and cases are increasing particularly in Pakistan. At present, there are nearly 34,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 737 fatalities according to the Ministry of National Health Services, Pakistan. The health professionals are constantly warning that such numbers would rise daily and would infect more people in the country. In such critical situation of the pandemic, first respondents and health professionals are fighting against COVID-19 countrywide. In fighting COVID-19 police officers, who are serving at front-line, have to deal with members of the general public on a daily basis. The police are required to stop hundreds of cars and bikes every day for checking and they have no knowledge of who may have contracted the virus. In time of the crisis, when many are remaining at home, police and health professionals, including doctor, nurses and paramedics are performing their duties passionately to curb the spread of COVID-19. Many police officers are staying away from family to ensure that they do not become the channels of infection. Besides, the police put nation first and risk their lives to contain the pandemic for us.

There are 500 cases of COVID-19 infection among the police in Pakistan and nine police officers have laid their lives in line of duty due to the infection

Around the world, police departments of different countries are facing issues of health and the psychological impact on police officers cannot be ignored. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide, thousands of police officers have got infected and hundreds have died of COVID-19 due to the requirements of their job. The situation in the United States of America (USA) is quite different, though, critical. For instance, there are 4,518 police officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) who have tested positive for the coronavirus. It has been reported that NYDP has lost the lives of 31 police officers in line of duty. On the other hand, many police officers in South Africa have also contracted with the virus. The official statement of Police Minister South Africa, Mr Bheki stated that 253 police personnel are infected from COVID-19 but fortunately no fatality of a police officer has been reported. The Republic of Peru officials have stated that 1,300 police personnel are infected of the virus and so far 17 officers have died in the country. In Bangladesh, the cases of virus have spiked and more than 1500 police officers been tested positive. Our neighbor India, where over 1300 police officers have tested positive, is also facing serious issues and 7 police officers have reportedly lost lives too.

Like in many countries, the police is leading as front-liners in Pakistan too. Police have a huge responsibility of keeping the country safe, protect pubic and ensure public health orders issued by the state. According to the statistics, there are 481,800 police officers working across the country. Police work is extremely stressful as they are facing the threat constantly. Police officers face issues of mental and physical health in restricted resources and extra work load. In the present situation of the pandemic, police work can no longer be safely conducted and they are risking their lives to protect the people. There are 500 cases of COVID-19 infection among the police in Pakistan and nine police officers have laid their lives in line of duty due to the infection. In the lists of the infected police officers are included officers of various ranks ranging from Constable to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The 10 officers are martyrs of the nation as working on the front line and performing duties. Many officers have defeated the virus and recovered. The breakdown of the total cases is as follows: 274 police officers tested positive in Punjab, 170 in Sindh, 32 in Balochistan, 21 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 2 in Azad Kashmir and 1 in Islamabad Police, whereas no police officer from Gilgit tested positive. The current situation is raising alarm because police are at grave risk of the pandemic. The virus may affect larger number of police officers. At the time of the crisis, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Mr. Shoaib is leading by compensating police personnel, as Rs. 25,000 from the Police Welfare fund has been given to each officer infected with the virus.

Police also lack sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and health facilities. Due to fewer resources and lack of proper state level or provincial or divisional level health facilities for the police, police officers are trying their best of their level to deliver services nationwide. All governments must take necessary steps for ensuring safety of the police personnel and compensate the officers equally. Federal and provincial governments should provide PPEs, announce special risk allowance to all ranks of Police officers, announce grants for families of police officers who died of COVID-19, and appoint one member in the police under the martyr’s quota. Public should cooperate with police and follow the instructions. The morale of the Police is high and they are determined to beat the virus. We pay tribute to the police heroes who have sacrificed for us and those still in lines. Our thoughts are with the police officers and with others, who are infected of COVID-19. May Allah give all police officers the best of health. Ameen! Salam Police

The writer works voluntarily on “Police Reforms in Pakistan” and is also a member of (the internet based) Pakistan Police Reforms Think Tank. He can be reached at @AllogeneousJano on Twitter.