Aligning Law Enforcement with Sustainable Development Standards in Post-Colonial Cities

Examining how colonial legacies impact our law enforcement and exploring reform strategies through international best practices to achieve sustainable development goals and community trust.

Noor Fatima
22 Min Read

Sustainable development represents a universal aspiration for a just, equitable, and peaceful world. Among all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 16 stands out for its focus on building inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and creating accountable institutions. However, the path to achieve this SDG is riddled with challenges, particularly in post-colonial contexts. These challenges are often the result of entrenched systemic inequalities and the enduring legacies of governance structures that were designed for control rather tan to serve (Coomaraswamy, 2015a).

This reflection paper examines the Quetta police force in Pakistan as a lens through which to analyse the interplay of historical legacies, structural challenges, and the broader imperatives of institutional reform. Quetta’s unique context, a city that is characterized by its ethnic diversity and a significant Hazara and Pashtun Afghan refugee population, highlights the tensions between governance structures and the needs of a diverse population. Through comparing international examples of law enforcement reforms, this paper aims to showcase actionable pathways of aligning governance practices with the principles of SDG 16 in order to foster equitable and inclusive development.

While sustainable development is global in aspiration, it is deeply rooted in local practices. Institutions such as the police, play a critical role in either perpetuation inequalities or fostering inclusivity. Taking the case of Quetta’s police force, this paper showcases how colonial legacies and governance failures hinder sustainable development. Recognizing these challenges is the starting point towards a more equitable future.

The systems of governance in the colonized South Asian society were inherently authoritarian, with intuitions especially the police designed to exert control and exert imperial dominance rather than serve public welfare. The Police Act of 1861, which continues to remain the foundation of law enforcement in Pakistan, encapsulates this legacy. The act set up the police as a militarized, hierarchical model with a focus on surveillance and repression over service and protection.

Colonialism not only dehumanized its subjects but also left behind governance structures that perpetuate oppression (Sartre, 1963). Frantz Fanon’s discourse on colonial violence provides insights on the enduring psychological and structural impacts of these systems. In Quetta, these legacies are evident in how Afghan refugees are treated as security threats rather than vulnerable populations and are subjected to systemic police raids. These actions end up perpetuating fear, mistrust, and societal divisions, mirroring the colonial legacy of categorizing and controlling populations.

Colonial-era policing structures continue to shape how Quetta’s law enforcement interacts with vulnerable refugee populations.

Furthermore, the emphasis on centralized power and control during the colonial era has created a mindset within law enforcement that views community engagement secondary to maintaining order. This control-oriented approach is not compatible with modern aspirations of inclusivity.

The concept of mimicy by Homi K. Bhaba (1194) explains the persistence of inequitable systems. Oost-colonial starts replicate the very structures of governance imposed by their colonizers, perpetuating systemic inequities. In Quetta, the police force’s reliance on control-oriented practices exemplifies this phenomenon. This can especially be observed in their handling of Afghan refugee settlements and the ethnic Hazara community.

Frequent raids on Afghan refugees in Quetta, many of whom have fled war and persecution in their home country, are subjected to harsh treatment. In efforts to maintain ‘security’ and combat what authorities label as illegal activity, police frequently raid refugee settlements which involve excessive force, arbitrary arrests and confiscation of property. Refugees are often stereotyped as being associated with terrorism, reinforcing their marginalization.

In one reported incident, police raided an Afghan refugee settlement on the outskirts of Quetta arresting several individuals without due process. Many detainees later reported physical abuse and extortion. These operations not only violate human rights but also perpetuate a climate of fear and mistrust between the police and the refugee community.

Another example is the establishment of ethnicity-targeted checkpoints. The Hazara community, an ethnic minority in Quetta, is frequently subjected to discriminatory checks and searches at police checkpoints. Ostensibly aimed at preventing sectarian violence, these checkpoints often single out Hazara individuals for additional scrutiny. Community members have reported harassment, prolonged questioning, and even detention without cause. A notable incident occurred in 2019 when Hazara commuters were detained at a police checkpoint while traveling to attend a community gathering. Despite having proper identification, they were delayed for hours, leading to accusations of racial profiling.

Frequent raids on Afghan refugee settlements highlight the persistent gap between policing practices and human rights standards.

Moreover, when ethnic or marginalized groups organize protests to demand better treatment or resources, the police often respond with force. For example, in 2020, when Hazara activists protested inadequate protection against targeted killings, police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd instead of engaging in dialogue. This response reinforced perceptions that law enforcement prioritizes maintaining control over addressing community grievances.

Pakistan’s approach to refugees is deeply rooted in its colonial past and heavily reliant on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) due to the absence of a robust legal framework. Despite hosting one of the largest refugee populations globally, Pakistan has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, which form the cornerstone of international refugee law. Instead, refugees are managed under the Foreigners Act of 1946, a colonial-era law designed for control instead of protection. This act grants the state extensive powers to detain or deport non-citizens without safeguards for asylum seekers, reflection the exclusionary practices of colonial administrations.

In the absence of comprehensive domestic legislation, Pakistan relies heavily on UNHCR guidelines and programs to manage its refugee population. Even though the UNHCR facilitates refugee registration, provides legal assistance, and offers limited protections. However, this dependency creates vulnerabilities by shifting responsibility for refugee welfare to an external entity without addressing systemic gaps in the country’s national policy.

This reliance on UNHCR laws and colonial-era structures reinforces a system that views refugees as temporary burdens or security risks rather than individuals deserving of protections and rights. Reforming Pakistan’s refugee laws to align with international standards that not only protect vulnerable populations but also support the broader goals of SDG 16 of fostering justice, inclusion and accountability.

Structural Challenges in Policing

The structural challenges facing the Quetta police are not just the consequence of colonial legacies but also contemporary governance failures.

1. Resource Constraints: Chronic underfunding hampers the ability of the Quetta police to implement meaningful reforms. Officers lack access to essential technologies such as body cameras, digital record keeping systems, and forensic tools. Plus, the absence of training programs on human rights and cultural sensitivity leaves officers ill-prepared to navigate Quetta’s diverse landscape.

Comparative studies underscore the transformative potential of proper resources allocation. For example, Rwanda’s post-genocide law enforcement reforms prioritized investments in community engagement and operational capacity. These efforts not only improved public perception but also enhanced overall security outcomes (Boege et al., 2009). After the genocide of 1994, Rwanda implemented extensive law enforcement reforms that prioritized community engagement and operational capacity to rebuild trust and ensure security. The introduction of a community policing program integrated police efforts with local traditions, such as Umuganda (community service), where officers engaged directly with citizens in order to address concerns. In order to enhance accessibility police stations were established in rural areas. The Abunzi Committees were empowered to mediate local disputes, reducing reliance on formal courts and fostering community-driven conflict resolution. Additionally, the Rwandan National Police invested in officer training on conflict resolution, human rights, and public engagement as well as technological integrations. These reforms transformed public perceptions of law enforcement and significantly improved overall security outcomes.

The Quetta police cab implement community policing programs that engage local elders, tribal leaders and marginalized groups to address security concerns as well as investments in officer training on human rights, conflict resolution, and public engagement.

2. Institutional Inertia: The major barrier to reform is the resistance to change. Many of the officers in Quetta perceive, for example, that the models of community policing are incompatible with the volatile socio-political environment of the city. It reflects a deeply control-oriented mindset at all levels (Usman Amin Siddiqi et al., 2014). Such institutional inertia calls for a change that is driven by leaders and requires forces from outside to break equilibrium.

3. Ethnic and Social Divisions: The ethnic diversity of Quetta includes Pashtuns, Baloch, Hazaras, and Afghan refugees; however, it is not reflected within the composition of its police force. This lack of representation only further legitimizes systemic discrimination, more so against Afghan refugees since they face considerable odds in accessing justice and protection (Annual Results Report 2023 Pakistan Annual Results Report | 2023 | Pakistan, n.d.). In Canada, police diversity initiatives provide an example of how inclusive recruitment can lead to trust. By actively hiring officers from underrepresented communities, the law enforcement agencies in Canada have not only improved representation but also public confidence.

4. Accountability Deficits: Perhaps, the most important aspect of governance failure comes from the absence of independent oversight mechanism that foster a culture of impunity within the Quetta police. Allegations like that of racial profiling, excessive force, and corruption are rarely investigated, further eroding public confidence. Establishing robust accountability structures, such as independent review boards is crucial for addressing these deficits and rebuilding trust.

The systemic challenges faced by the Quetta police are particularly apparent in its treatment of Afghan refugees who lack legal recognition and are thus, subject to harassment, exclusion and systemic abuse. This represents the failure of governance structures in integrating marginalized populations into the country’s social fabric, perpetuating cycles of alienation.

Hannah Arendt’s analysis of statelessness showcases how stateless individuals are uniquely vulnerable to systemic abuse because they exist outside the protective status of citizenship.

For example, refugees on Quetta rarely file complaints against police misconduct in the fear of getting deported of facing retaliation For instance, a 2020 study by Refugees International found that refugee women in Quetta, particularly those experiencing domestic violence, were unable to report their cases to the police because of discrimination and fear of being ignored or further victimized. This highlights the systemic failure of institutions to protect vulnerable groups.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing societal challenges globally. In particular, SDG 16 focuses on creating peaceful, just and inclusive societies. This goal allows for specific targets, including the rule of law, ensuring access to justice, reducing corrupt practices and building institutions that are accountable. For Pakistan, and particularly Quetta’s police force, achieving these targets requires a multifaceted approach encompassing legal reforms, capacity building, community engagement and collaboration with international partners.

In order to achieve rule of law, reforms addressing systemic discrimination and barriers to justice need to be implemented.

1. Reforming Legal Frameworks: The colonial-era Police Act of 1861 requires updating to incorporate principles of democracy and human rights. Provisions to address racial profiling, the excessive use of force and harassment are necessary to align with international standards such as the UN Bais Principles on the Use of Force(Usman Amin Siddiqi et al., 2014).

2. Expanding Legal Aid: Marginalized communities often lack resources to access justice, therefore, the establishment of legal facilities in collaboration with NGs could empower these populations to seek proper legal recourse.

3. Strengthening Judicial Oversight: The establishment of dedicated oversight bodies such as tribunals for police misconduct can ensure justice. Representation from vulnerable groups would enhance accountability and inclusivity.

Accountable and transparent institutions are crucial to establish public trust.

1. Independent Oversight Bodies: The Quetta police can benefit from incorporating independent bodies to monitor and address misconduct. An international example comes from the UK’s Independent Police Complaints Commission, the success of which illustrates how autonomous oversight promotes transparency.

2. Technology for Transparency: Digital tools such as body cameras and case management systems can reduce corruption by keeping accounts that are easily accessible. Public access to performance metrics would further enhance public trust.

3. Performance Incentives: Officers who adhere to ethical standards and engage with communities can shift the institutional culture of the police force towards professionalism and service orientation.

This is crucial to foster trust and collaboration between communities and the law enforcement.

1. Community Policing Councils: Citizen advisory boards with diverse representation can bridge the gaps between the police and marginalized groups such as the Hazaras and Afghan refugees.

2. Civil Society Partnerships: Collaborations with NGOs can strengthen policing strategies and provide training on human rights, cultural sensitivity, and trust-building.

3. Budgeting Decisions: Involving communities in budgeting decisions for police resources, a practice coomonly known as participatory budgeting, ensures the allocation funds aligns with the needs of the local population. By engaging citizens in discussions about the allocation of resources, such as funding for training programs, technological additions, or community outreach initiatives to improve the lives of people eho are deprived of certain rights and services, including projects like pro bono legal advise clinics, theprocess enhances transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Participatory budgeting leads to empowering communities by giving them a direct voice in decision-making. In diverse regions like Quetta where trust between marinalised communities anfd law enforecment is strained can reduce tensions, this approach can be particularly useful. Moreover, involving the public in budgeting decisions can build trust by demonstrating a commitment to addressing local concerns, leading to more equitable and effective policing practices.

Corruption and violence undermine public trust and safety, and thus, addressing them is crucial to foster inclusivity and equitability.

1. Anti-Corruption Units and Whistleblower Protections: Anti-corruption units function as specialized independent bodies that investigate allegations of misconduct, bribery, and other forms of corruption. These units, if operating free from external influence send a strong message that unethical behavior would not be tolerated, and that accountability is an utmost priority. Equally important is the protection of whistleblowers, whether they are officers or civilians. Without Adequate safeguards, the whistleblowers may face retaliation including harassment, demotion or dismissal. Legal frameworks that ensure their anonymity, provide financial and legal support as well ensure job security encourages the reporting of unethical practices.

2. Proper Training: Training officers in non-violent conflict resolution and emotional intelligence cab reduce violence and foster safety.

3. Violence Reduction Partnerships: These partnerships recognize that violence is not merely an issue of law enforcement but rather, a symptom of deeper societal challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, and social exclusion. By addressing these underlying issues, such partnerships aim to prevent violence before it occurs rather than just responding afterwards to the consequences. An international best practice that can be used as an example is Scotland’s Violence Reduction Unit which adopted a public health approach to violence. The VRU works with schools to identify at-risk youth and provide help through social workers to leave violent lifestyles. Quetta can replicate such initiatives by forming partnerships between the police force and different NGOs. For instance, working with mental health services to address trauma in vulnerable populations help mitigate conditions that lead to violence. Similarly, engaging community leaders and civil society organizations can strengthen outreach efforts and ensure the cultural appropriateness of such interventions.

International collaboration serves as a powerful tool for modernizing law enforcement and fostering sustainable reforms. Learning from international best practices can play a pivotal role in allowing law enforcement agencies in Pakistan to learn from successful initiatives after adapting them to local contexts. For instance, the community policing model in Rwanda which emerged as a response to the need for societal reconciliation and safety after the 1994 genocide. Community policing officers in Rwanda actively participate in local forums, listen to the concerns of citizens and work with community leaders to co-develop strategies for crime prevention.

Similarly, Kenya and its adoption of e-policing offers a blueprint for integrating digital tools in Quetta’s policing practices. For example, the introduction of e-ticketing systems for traffic violations in Kenya minimized bribery and ensured that fines were processed properly.

International collaboration and funding present opportunities to modernize Quetta’s outdated law enforcement infrastructure.

Additionally, technical assistance and funding from international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programs and the World Bank can address the chronic underfunding that the Quetta police faces by providing vital resources. These organizations can support governance reforms in reforms in developing nations through capacity building programs, infrastructure investments and technology transfers. For example, funding could be allocated to upgrade digital record-keeping systems, enhance forensic capabilities, or establish community outreach centers. Such assistance ensures that resource constraints do not hinder the implementation of necessary reforms.

Finally, to align with global standards such as those outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Guidelines on Policing, is imperative for enhancing institutional legitimacy. Adherence to these standards signals the commitment to upholding human rights and democratic values. Moreover, periodic reporting to international bodies on progress towards benchmarks that can ensure transparency and continuous improvement.

Achieving SDG 16, which prioritizes inclusion and accountability is vital for fostering peaceful and equitable societies. The challenges facing Quetta’s police, rooted in colonial legacies and modern governance failures, underscore the urgency of systemic reform. By transforming outdated structures like the Police Act of 1861 into frameworks that align with democratic values and human rights is the first step in the right direction. Reforms such as independent oversight, equitable recruitment and expanded legal access and ensure that law enforcement serves all communities including marginalized groups like Afghan Refugees and Hazaras.

Rwanda’s trust-based community policing and Kenya’s e-policing innovations are global examples Quetta can draw from to improve transparency, trust and efficiency. Training, technology, community collaboration investments can transform the police from a control-oriented model to one of engagement and accountability. Collaborations with entities such as UNDP and the World Bank provide financial and technical assets to modernize law enforcement, and to address violence’s root causes via social and economic efforts.

Scaling these reforms nationally can allow Pakistan’s law enforcement to align with international standards which can attract funding, technical assistance and capacity building programs. Quetta’s transformation can serve as a blueprint for implementing SDG 16 across the country in order to lay the foundation for justice, equity and nation-wide peace.

The author is a Governance and Public Policy student at NUST Islamabad

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