When Brutus joined the conspiracy against Julius Caesar, Shakespeare gave him the line: “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” History is full of extraordinary acts justified in the national interest, and Pakistan is no exception. Every crisis promises stability. But are we protecting the state and its institutions, or merely those in power?

On November 3, 2007, Pakistan came under emergency rule, and I was asked to take charge as SSP Islamabad. The Constitution was held in abeyance, judges were sent home and lawyers detained. Having earlier been unceremoniously removed from the post, I was reluctant to take it back. My hesitation invited a pointed question: “Are you disobeying government orders?” The irony was clear. Obeying could compromise my conscience; refusing could cost me my career.

“To be, or not to be?” For a civil servant, the question becomes: obey the government of the day, or uphold principles that must outlive it?

Some ask why I did not speak louder while in office. My response, half in jest, is: “Would you prefer I stayed silent even now?” Others ask why so little changed. I think of football: even Argentina lost matches with Maradona and Messi on the field. Many officers, far better than me, tried to make a difference. But even gifted players struggle when the system itself is broken.

We take ourselves too seriously. In countries with stronger institutions, officials leave knowing the system will carry on, sometimes better without them. In France, for instance, widespread unrest and controversial policing remain........

© Arab News Pakistan