The maintenance of law and order is officially a matter of provincial jurisdiction under the responsibility of the Department of Services and General Administration (Wake-Forest University 10 Nov. 1992). The maintenance of peace and national security, however, is the responsibility of the federal government (Choudhury 1988, 197). Accordingly, the federal government may give instructions to the provincial authorities regarding the operations of the police forces (Choudhury 1988, 197; Human Rights Commission of Pakistan 18 Nov. 1992). For example, as members of the Central Police Group, federal officials are often sent to the provinces to help with the organization of the provincial police corps, the training of the police officers and other important activities such as recruiting (SOAS 19 Nov. 1992). The province can also rely on a police force reserve, which can be used when a massive effort is required to maintain law and order (for example, during elections, demonstrations and other similar events) (FEER correspondent 17 Nov. 1992). The federal border police, known as the Rangers, can also be used periodically to provide assistance to the regular police forces (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan 18 Nov. 1992). Local governments also have some authority over the police forces, although officially they have no jurisdiction in this domain (SOAS 19 Nov. 1992).

The inspector general of police is the chief provincial authority and the highest level of authority in the police hierarchy. His immediate subordinates are the deputy inspectors of police. A senior superintendent of police is head at the district level, and a deputy superintendent of police heads the sub-division and the local police officers (SOAS 19 Nov. 1992; FEER correspondent 17 Nov. 1992). The station house officer heads the local police station and supervises the work of several police officers (Amnesty International June 1992, 9).

In theory, police officers have job security, but many of them may be transferred when there is a change of government. High ranking officers who do not cooperate with provincial authorities are often sent to distant postings (SOAS 19 Nov. 1992; FEER correspondent 17 Nov. 1992). However, local police stations enjoy a high degree of autonomy, and, as a result, people complain mainly about local authorities (Carnegie Endowment 19 Nov. 1992).

The police force is known for its corruption; many officers are reportedly bribed into turning a blind eye on drug trafficking (Politique Internationale Summer 1991, 143; Asiaweek 7 Feb. 1992; Carnegie Endowment 19 Nov. 1992; FEER 24 Jan. 1991). Police officers have low salaries and seek other sources of income to compensate (Asiaweek 7 Feb. 1991). The image of the police has also been tarnished by reports of other incidents. For example, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced in September 1991 that, following reports of female detainees being raped in police stations, women could only be arrested by female police officers (AFP 21 Sept. 1991). According to recent reports, however, no legal action has been taken against the offenders, and Sharif's announcement remains a statement of good intention only (The New York Times 7 Oct. 1992; Amnesty International 3 Dec. 1992).

Corroborating or additional information is currently unavailable to the DIRB in Ottawa.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 21 September 1991. "Male Police Banned from Arresting Pakistani Women."

Amnesty International, London. 3 December 1992. Telephone interview with a researcher of the Asian Bureau at Amnesty International's London headquarters.

Amnesty International. June 1992. Pakistan: Arrests of Political Opponents in Sindh Province, August 1990-Early 1992. London: Amnesty International. (AI Index: ASA 33/03/92)

Asiaweek [Hong Kong]. 7 February 1992. "Justice: The Court of Last Resort."

Carnegie Endowment, Washington. 19 November 1992. Telephone interview with a university professor specialized on Pakistan.

Choudhury, Golam W. 1988. Pakistan: Transition from Military to Civilian Rule. Buckhurst Hill (UK): Scorpion Publishing.

Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER) [Hong Kong]. 17 November 1992. Telephone interview with the correspondent in Islamabad.

_____. 24 January 1991. Ahmed Rashind. "Bandits and Ethnic Violence Wrack Sindh: No Law, No Order."

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad. 18 November 1992. Telephone interview with a representative.

The New York Times. 7 October 1992. Asma Janhangir and Hina Jilani. "No Letup in Abuse of Pakistani Women." (NEXIS)

Politique internationale [Paris]. Summer 1991. No. 52. Gilbert étienne. "L'écheveau pakistanais."

School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London. 19 November 1992. Telephone interview with a specialist on Pakistan.

Wake-Forest University, Department of Political Science, Salem. 10 November 1992. Telephone interview with a specialist on Pakistan.

Xinhua General Overseas Service. 11 May 1992. "Pakistan National Assembly Passes Bill for Speedy Trials." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 21 September 1991. "Male Police Banned from Arresting Pakistani Women."

Amnesty International. June 1992. Pakistan: Arrests of Political Opponents in Sindh Province, August 1990-Early 1992. London: Amnesty International. (AI Index: ASA 33/03/92)

Asiaweek [Hong Kong]. 7 February 1992. "Justice: The Court of Last Resort."

Choudhury, Golam W. 1988. Pakistan: Transition from Military to Civilian Rule. Buckhurst Hill (UK): Scorpion Publishing.

Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER) [Hong Kong]. 24 January 1991. Ahmed Rashind. "Bandits and Ethnic Violence Wrack Sindh: No Law, No Order."

The New York Times. 7 October 1992. Asma Janhangir and Hina Jilani. "No Letup in Abuse of Pakistani Women." (NEXIS)

Politique internationale [Paris]. Summer 1991. No. 52. Gilbert étienne. "L'écheveau pakistanais."

Xinhua General Overseas Service. 11 May 1992. "Pakistan National Assembly Passes Bill for Speedy Trials." (NEXIS)