August 20, 1995

I am one of those unfortunate industrialists whose company owns Suzuki pick-ups. On August 19, 1995, the vehicle, alongwith two drivers was on its way from SITE, Karachi, to my residence near Karsaz. Across the road from the D.C.East’s office, the protectors of the citizens, more commonly known as "police", stopped the vehicle, told one of the drivers to take a hike, and ordered the other to drive them around.

The other driver came to my residence, and I accompanied him to the Aziz Bhatti Police Station, where the courteous duty officer informed me that since the station had only one mobile, since its four tyres were flat, and since there is tension in the area, they had taken my vehicle for "official patrolling."

I told him very pleasantly that they had committed contempt of the Supreme Court’s ruling and that they had violated my constitutional right as a citizen. He was very apologetic but expressed his inability to come to my rescue. I had no choice but to drop some "important names", at which he got a little nervous. By the time I reached my residence to make the necessary calls, I received the message that the vehicle had been "set free".

This was the FIFTH time this vehicle was "requisitioned" by the police, and there have been many other instances where my driver had managed to "convince" the police to let the pick-up go.

I have now decided to instruct my drivers that the next time this type of official car-snatching occurs, they should quietly take possession of the car documents and walk away. I am also ordering my management to then ring up 15 and CPLC (568-2222) and inform them that the vehicle has been snatched by two / three armed persons impersonating as policemen (they never show their I.D.cards), from such and such place, at such and such time. Then I’ll let CPLC, the police, and my insurance company figure it out among themselves what the hell happened.

Sincerely :