unjab Police have taken the initiative to archive and preserve their history. Sources say IG Dr Usman Anwar has been talking to experts and some civil society groups to assist the department in documenting its historic buildings in the province.

It has been decided that the building of Anarkali Police Station, which dates back to 1860, should be preserved and documented.

At the same time, efforts are under way to curate relics and historic documents in a museum being set up at the Central Police Office, Lahore. The museum is housed in a historical building. Formerly, its corridor was used as a parking lot for the IGP — a practice that many saw as inappropriate considering its historical significance. As per a plaque placed at the site, the white Anglo-style bungalow was constructed in the 1860s. Historical records show that it was once occupied by Agra Bank. After independence, the building was taken over by the Police Department and the offices of the deputy inspector general of police (Crimes) and deputy inspector general of police (Lahore) were established here. In 2004, the building was declared the office of the IGP.

Today, the building has been turned into a police museum where documents about the sacrifices and legacy of the Punjab Police are kept and archived.

As one enters the building, history unfolds itself. Wallboards bear the names of police officers and personnel who were martyred in the line of duty. Racks are filled with relics telling tales of the department’s glorious past.

One such display features bricks from a police station in Multan that was built in 1896 and demolished recently. Another exhibit showcases police uniforms from various eras, including those worn during the British rule. The uniforms of various police units — namely, Traffic Police, Elite Force, Highway Patrol and Dolphin Force — have been meticulously arranged too.

A section of the museum has put on display items collected from assorted incidents of bomb blasts and suicide attacks through the course of history, particularly those in which leading public figures were targeted. It is hard to hold back tears when you see blood-stained shirts, wrecked shoes and so on.

The shirt and pants worn by Liaqat Ali Khan on the day he was assassinated are placed in the museum alongside the pistol that was used to shoot him down. Remnants from Benazir Bhutto’s assassination include her chaadar and a pair of shoes, the FIR filed after her death, and the assassin’s gun. You also find fragments of the plane carrying Gen Zia-ul Haq that was blown up.

A section of the museum has put on display items collected from assorted incidents of bomb blasts and suicide attacks through the course of history, particularly those in which leading public figures were targeted.

There are also items belonging to celebrated Asma Jahangir, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Bhagat Singh. The FIR registered against Bhagat Singh, Ghazi Ilm Din’s case files, old passports and police medals from various eras are also on display.

Further, the museum has preserved the wooden box once used by the police to store the money and valuables seized in its operations. An iron band, used by the police during the British Raj, occupies the pride of place. It looks really heavy, and is a testament to the evolution of law enforcement techniques over the centuries.

Moving on, there is the proverbial ‘rogue’s gallery’ where photos of hardened criminals, notorious gangsters and those who met their end in encounters with the police have been displayed. One particularly chilling display is photographs of the cannibalistic people from Bhakkar who were accused of digging graves and consuming human flesh.

Beyond the museum, another effort by the Punjab Police is to raise public awareness about its history. Titled Preserve History, tours of historical police buildings are arranged for interested groups, in collaboration with Lahore Ka Ravi, a private organisation working to promote and preserve heritage of Lahore.

Recently, a 70-member delegation comprising students and citizens from different walks of life took the tour of the Central Police Office, the newly established museum, and various police departments. They also visited Masti Gate and Old Anarkali police stations.

ASP Sheharbano Naqvi accompanied them and briefed them about the police buildings, significant events through the decades and major achievements of the Punjab Police. Ghazi Taimoor, the CEO of Lahore Ka Ravi, was there too.

The group was also taken to the places of worship of minority communities, such as the Presbyterian Church at Nolakha, where Pastor Dr Majid Abel welcomed them; Gurdwara Janam Asthan Shri Guru Ram Das in Chuna Mandi; and the Krishna Mandir.

IG Dr Usman Anwar says it is important to educate the public about the police force’s journey. He says that citizens will be engaged through recreational and educational tours. Lahore Ka Ravi will work alongside to make sure their stories are not forgotten.

Ahsan Malik is a media veteran interested in politics, consumer rights and entrepreneurship.