It is often said that darkness lies beneath the lamp. Unfortunately, this saying has become a reality in Quetta’s Red Zone, where the province’s most important government offices, senior officials, and sensitive installations are located. Ironically, the police personnel responsible for protecting these institutions are themselves deprived of basic human necessities.
Every day, hundreds of police officers stand guard from morning till evening, enduring extreme heat, cold, and harsh weather conditions. These officers serve as the first line of defense for the state, yet many lack access to proper washrooms, clean drinking water, shaded areas, and suitable rest facilities during long duty hours.
During the summer months, temperatures in Quetta often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Standing for hours under such conditions is difficult for any individual, yet police personnel continue to perform their duties with dedication and professionalism. The question remains: is the state and society fulfilling its responsibility toward those who protect them?
Only a few months ago, during a tragic terrorist incident in Quetta, these very officers made the ultimate sacrifice. They put the safety of public representatives, government officials, and ordinary citizens ahead of their own lives. Several officers embraced martyrdom, while many others were injured, yet their determination remained unshaken.
Today, these brave men are struggling for basic necessities. The Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Governor, and other senior officials pass through these roads and checkpoints daily. But has anyone paused to assess the conditions under which these officers serve? Has anyone considered that those who stand day and night to protect others deserve at least clean drinking water, proper washrooms, and shelter from the sun?
This is not a demand for special privileges; it is a call for basic human rights. A civilized society is judged by how it treats those who safeguard its peace and security. If we fail to provide dignity, comfort, and a healthy working environment to our security personnel, it raises serious questions about our collective priorities.
Through this column, an appeal is made to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the Governor, the Chief Secretary, and senior police authorities to ensure the immediate provision of essential facilities for police personnel deployed in the Red Zone. Temporary or permanent washrooms, water coolers, shaded shelters, and rest areas are neither costly nor impossible to establish; they simply require attention and commitment.
Similarly, social welfare organizations, charitable institutions, NGOs, particularly NDP, BRSP, and other humanitarian groups, are urged to play their part. If immediate government intervention is not possible, welfare-based initiatives can help ease the hardships faced by these officers.
In the end, one fact must not be forgotten: those who risk their lives to protect us should never be treated as forgotten individuals. They have families, parents, children, and aspirations of their own. Ensuring their welfare, dignity, and comfort is not merely an administrative responsibility—it is a moral obligation.
The time has come to provide Quetta’s Red Zone guardians with the respect and facilities they rightfully deserve.