Islamabad:In an unprecedented turn, a deeply concerning and escalating trend has emerged on social media - repeated and violent clashes between uniformed police officials and the youths on busy roads of major cities. This disturbing phenomenon goes beyond simple confrontations, as incidents of public ridicule and mockery of law and law enforcement agencies are also on the rise. Which indicates snubbing rule of law by the youths.
Policing experts warn that this growing divide is a crucial warning sign for the nation’s peace and security. Many attribute this troubling surge to the inaction of authorities, who have shown negligence in preventing these conflicts and a reluctance to pursue legal action against those involved, which could pave the way for more severe and widespread unrest.
The increasing frequency of clashes between uniformed police and the public, widely shared on social media, signals a dangerous breakdown in law and order. This is not a random phenomenon but a systemic crisis fueled by a confluence of factors: the actions of law enforcement, the political exploitation of public grievances, and the public’s own role in the spread of misinformation and lawlessness.
The institution of law enforcement bears significant responsibility for its diminished authority. For too long, police in many nations have been perceived not as a public service, but as an arm of the state or a tool for political elites. A history of perceived impunity, where officers act with excessive force or engage in corruption without consequence, has severely eroded public trust. When law enforcement agencies fail to hold their own members accountable for misconduct, they send a clear message that the system is unjust. This institutional failure provides a powerful justification for public defiance, legitimizing disobedience in the eyes of a frustrated citizenry.
Political parties and their leaders are perhaps the most significant drivers of this public defiance. In an effort to mobilize support and discredit rivals, they often resort to inflammatory, anti-establishment rhetoric. By framing police actions as politically motivated oppression, they turn a public safety issue into a partisan battleground. This narrative encourages a segment of the population to directly challenge law enforcement as a form of political protest. The frequent and highly visible clashes between political supporters and police, particularly since the rise of social media, have normalized this behavior, creating a climate where disrespect for the police uniform is not just tolerated but celebrated.
While the public’s defiance may be a response to legitimate grievances, their actions also contribute to a state of lawlessness. A healthy society relies on its citizens’ respect for the rule of law. When individuals or large groups resort to violence and aggression instead of peaceful protest, they undermine social order. Social media has a critical role in this. The viral spread of decontextualized videos and sensationalised content can incite mob mentality and collective aggression. The public’s willingness to engage in aggressive behavior and spread misinformation, regardless of the underlying cause, is a form of lawlessness that further destabilizes the society.
The alarming rise in clashes between police and the public is not the result of a single cause but a systemic breakdown. It is a perfect storm of police misconduct, political opportunism, and public defiance. While all parties share responsibility, the most potent factor is the political rhetoric that frames law enforcement as an opponent of the people. By politicizing law enforcement and encouraging defiance, leaders create a climate of mistrust and lawlessness, with long-lasting and severe consequences for social stability. Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including police reform, a commitment from political leaders to responsible rhetoric, and a public that understands its own role in upholding the rule of law.