In a thought-provoking and eye-opening podcast, Advocate Qasim Bin Sajjad, Advocate High Court, invited respected police officer Muhammad Ali Wasim to discuss some of the most serious issues faced by ordinary citizens in Pakistan. From FIR registration problems and police accessibility to honey-trap gangs, cybercrime, loan mafias, reckless driving, and public justice — the discussion highlighted how sincere officers can transform public trust in law enforcement.
This podcast was not just an interview. It was a practical lesson about justice, accountability, victim protection, and the evolving role of police in modern Pakistan.
Why Public Trust in Police Is Weak in Pakistan
One of the first issues discussed in the podcast was the negative public perception surrounding the police system in Pakistan.
For decades, ordinary citizens have complained about:
- Delayed FIR registration
- Police corruption
- Political influence
- Illegal detentions
- Bribery
- Harassment at police stations
- Middlemen (“touts”) operating outside police offices
Because of these experiences, many people fear going to police stations even when they are victims themselves.
According to Muhammad Ali Wasim, this trust deficit can only be removed when senior officers remain publicly accessible and personally accountable.
He explained that when citizens can directly approach senior officers without recommendations or political influence, the behavior of lower staff automatically improves.
This philosophy became the foundation of his public policing strategy in Layyah.
Open Courts (Khuli Katcheri) & Direct Public Access
One of the most appreciated aspects of the DPO’s work is his system of open courts (Khuli Katcheri).
Instead of isolating himself inside offices, he regularly meets ordinary people directly.
According to him:
“The more accessible an officer is, the stronger the public trust becomes.”
He shared that every day between 10 AM and 1 PM, citizens can directly approach him without:
- Recommendations
- Political pressure
- Personal references
- Appointment slips
This system creates transparency and also acts as a monitoring mechanism for police stations.
When lower officers know that citizens can directly complain to the DPO, misconduct decreases automatically.
This model of accessibility is extremely important in Pakistan, where many people feel helpless while dealing with authorities.
What Should You Do If an SHO Refuses to Register an FIR?
One of the most practical legal discussions in the podcast concerned FIR registration.
Advocate Qasim Bin Sajjad asked:
“What should a citizen do if an SHO refuses to register an FIR or illegally arrests someone?”
This is a very common issue in Pakistan because many victims are discouraged or ignored at the police station level.
The DPO explained the legal hierarchy clearly:
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Approach the SHO
Always first attempt to register the FIR through the local police station.
2. Contact the DSP
If the SHO refuses or delays unlawfully, approach the DSP supervising that area.
3. Meet the DPO
If the matter still remains unresolved, directly approach the DPO office.
4. Submit Written Complaints
Written applications create documentary evidence and increase accountability.
5. Attend Open Courts
Public complaint sessions provide direct access to senior officers.
This advice is extremely valuable for ordinary citizens who often do not know how to navigate the police system legally.
Honey Trap Gangs & Blackmail Networks in Pakistan
Another major issue discussed in the podcast was the rise of honey-trap gangs and organized blackmailing operations.
These criminal networks usually target:
- Businessmen
- Young boys
- Professionals
- Government employees
- Wealthy individuals
Victims are emotionally manipulated, secretly recorded, and later blackmailed through videos or photographs.
The DPO explained that such crimes often operate through organized groups and sometimes rely on corrupt facilitators.
He emphasized an extremely important point:
“Victims should not remain silent out of fear or shame.”
Many victims avoid legal action because they fear public humiliation. However, according to the DPO, authorities can protect victim identities confidentially.
Anti-Rape Laws & Protection of Victims
The discussion further highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s Anti-Rape Act and victim protection laws.
The DPO shared that in some honey-trap cases, the trapped individual was treated as a victim instead of a criminal.
This is an important legal and social shift because traditionally society often blames victims rather than helping them.
He strongly criticized this mentality and encouraged people to support victims lawfully and respectfully.
Cybercrime, Fake Videos & Social Media Exploitation
The podcast also explored modern cybercrime threats affecting Pakistani society.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, editing applications, and social media manipulation, criminals now misuse technology for:
- Online harassment
- Fake videos
- Blackmail
- Extortion
- Defamation
- Emotional exploitation
Women are especially targeted through fake content and threats.
The DPO reassured citizens that victims of cybercrime can safely approach authorities.
FIA Cyber Crime Wing & Legal Protection
Victims facing online harassment or digital blackmail can contact:
- Federal Investigation Agency Cyber Crime Wing
- Local police
- Senior officers directly
He also explained that victims can request confidentiality and protection during investigations.
This message is extremely important because many victims remain silent only due to fear of exposure.
The Dangerous Rise of Loan Mafias in Pakistan
One of the most emotional and socially relevant discussions in the podcast involved illegal loan sharks and exploitative money lenders.
Poor people often borrow money because of:
- Crop failures
- Medical emergencies
- Weddings
- Family expenses
- Financial crises
However, many become trapped in endless cycles of interest and exploitation.
According to the DPO, victims are often forced to surrender:
- Property papers
- Blank checks
- Vehicle documents
- Agricultural land documents
In many cases, poor families lose everything.
Special Complaint Cell for Victims
To combat this exploitation, the DPO established a special complaint mechanism within the DPO office.
According to him:
- Victims are helped in recovering documents
- Settlements are supervised legally
- Victims repay only the original borrowed amount
- Exploitative interest practices are challenged
This initiative was praised as a practical example of victim-centered policing.
Online Earning & Youth Awareness
The discussion also focused on the growing trend of online earning among Pakistani youth.
The DPO encouraged lawful digital opportunities such as:
- Website development
- Freelancing
- AdSense income
- Content creation
- Graphic design
- Digital marketing
However, he warned young people about entering unregulated financial schemes.
Cryptocurrency & Binance Concerns in Pakistan
He specifically discussed:
- Cryptocurrency trading
- Binance-related activities
- Unregulated online investments
According to him, these activities still lack clear legal recognition in Pakistan.
He advised youth to avoid risky or illegal financial systems because victims of fraud may later discover there is no effective legal forum for recovery.
Misuse of Section 406 & Financial Disputes
The discussion also touched on:
Section 406 PPC
The DPO explained that many financial disputes are casually dismissed as “civil matters,” even when serious dishonesty exists.
He emphasized:
“Justice requires standing with genuine victims.”
This statement highlighted an important philosophy — that police should support rightful claims rather than ignoring victims merely because money is involved.
The Harmful “Tout System” Outside Police Stations
The podcast also criticized the “tout system” surrounding police stations.
These middlemen often:
- Exploit poor people
- Demand money
- Misguide complainants
- Pretend to have influence
According to the DPO, the best solution is direct accessibility.
When officers themselves remain available to citizens, middlemen lose power automatically.
Reckless Driving & Public Safety
Road accidents and reckless driving were another serious issue discussed.
Advocate Qasim Bin Sajjad proposed stronger punishment mechanisms against dangerous drivers.
The DPO appreciated the suggestion and discussed reviewing cases under:
- Section 320 PPC
- Section 322 PPC
He also mentioned blacklisting habitual reckless drivers responsible for fatal accidents.
Online Hate Speech & Sectarianism
The conversation later shifted toward online extremism and sectarian hatred.
The DPO warned that social media increasingly spreads:
- Religious hate
- Sectarian propaganda
- Extremist narratives
- Divisive content
Young people often unknowingly participate by sharing inflammatory posts.
He encouraged tolerance, peace, and responsible online behavior.
A Near-Death Experience During Police Service
One of the most emotional moments came when Muhammad Ali Wasim described a dangerous operation in Chilas during 2014.
He explained how his convoy came under rocket attack during a military-style operation.
This story reflected the dangerous realities faced by police officers serving in high-risk regions.
Why He Joined the Police Service
When asked why he joined the police, he gave a humble answer.
Coming from a middle-class background, his primary goal after education was securing a respectable career.
After clearing CSS, he joined the police service and considered it:
“A test from Allah regarding how power and authority should be used with justice.”
Advice for Pakistani Youth
Toward the end of the podcast, the DPO shared heartfelt advice for young Pakistanis.
He encouraged youth to:
- Work honestly
- Respect hard work
- Learn practical skills
- Stay disciplined
- Avoid shortcuts
- Focus seriously on education
He emphasized that no honest work is shameful and praised hardworking Pakistanis abroad for their dedication.
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