In a significant move against traditional power structures overstepping legal boundaries, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Dera Range has intervened in a disturbing case of coercion. DIG Nasir Mehmood has taken strict notice of reports concerning a blackmailing jirga operating in Dera Ismail Khan.
Immediate Orders for Investigation and Arrest
The senior police official has issued clear and direct orders to the district police chief of DI Khan. He has mandated a comprehensive and swift investigation into the activities of this unauthorized assembly. Crucially, DIG Nasir Mehmood has instructed that all individuals involved in the blackmailing jirga be apprehended without delay. This decisive action underscores a zero-tolerance policy towards extra-judicial systems that engage in intimidation and illegal activities.
Cracking Down on Illegal Parallel Justice
The case highlights the ongoing challenge of parallel justice systems in certain regions. Jirgas, or traditional councils, while holding cultural significance in some contexts, operate outside the formal legal framework of Pakistan. When such assemblies engage in acts like blackmail, they undermine the rule of law and victimize citizens. The DIG's intervention sends a strong message that the state's law enforcement apparatus will not tolerate illegal assemblies that coerce and threaten people.
By directing the District Police Officer (DPO) to lead the operation, the DIG has ensured the case receives the highest priority at the local level. This top-down command structure is designed to eliminate any potential for local influence or delays in the administration of justice.
Reaffirming State Authority and Citizen Protection
This proactive stance by the police leadership in Dera Range is a critical step in reaffirming the state's monopoly on justice and dispute resolution. It serves to protect citizens from being subjected to the arbitrary and often oppressive decisions of unauthorized bodies. The orders emphasize that the only legitimate avenue for justice is through the established courts and legal processes of Pakistan.
The community in DI Khan and the wider region will be watching the outcome of this investigation closely. The swift arrest and subsequent legal proceedings against the jirga members will be a key test of the police's resolve to dismantle such illegal operations. This action not only aims to deliver immediate justice in this specific case but also to deter similar groups from engaging in coercive practices in the future.
The move has been welcomed by legal experts and civil society advocates who have long called for a stronger stance against parallel justice systems that violate fundamental rights. It aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the formal judicial system and ensure equal protection for all citizens under the constitution.
