ISLAMABAD — In a province long affected by insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship and instability across the Afghan border, recent action by Peshawar Police against gangs, alleged land grab groups and other criminal elements has emerged as a source of renewed hope for citizens and the business community.Capital City Peshawar, a historic centre of trade and cultural connectivity, has endured decades of security challenges that have affected investment, employment and public confidence.Extortion, kidnapping, alleged land grabbing and gang related crime have compelled some businesses and families to move elsewhere in search of greater security.
Against this backdrop, the posting of Dr. Mian Saeed, PSP, as Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Peshawar has brought a renewed focus on strengthening the writ of law and restoring public confidence.Under his leadership, Peshawar Police has intensified operations against gangsters, alleged land-grabbers and other criminal networks, with arrests and reports of encounters involving suspected criminals.The campaign has sent a clear message that no individual or group is above the law.Security and social sector experts, however, stress that policing alone cannot permanently eliminate organised crime.Unemployment, poverty, drug abuse, land disputes, weak prosecution and social and political influence can all contribute to the growth of criminal networks.
They argue that sustained peace requires coordinated efforts by police, administration, judiciary, prosecution and other state institutions, alongside greater opportunities for education, employment and skills development.For Peshawar’s citizens, the real measure of success will be whether they can live, work and invest without fear and whether their lives, property and businesses receive equal protection under the law.
The message emerging from the Capital city police Peshawar is simple that the law must be stronger than any gang, influential individual or criminal network.If the current crackdown is transformed into a sustained, impartial and law based policing strategy, it could not only reduce crime but also help restore business confidence, investment and social stability across Peshawar.
