THE Supreme Court has reaffirmed constitutional respect for citizens, but real reform now depends on Parliament and effective implementation by the executive.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s judgment of 30 January 2026, authored by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, affirms a fundamental constitutional principle: the police are servants of the public, not rulers over it. By directing that expressions such as “Bakhidmat Janab SHO” be discontinued in police applications and discouraging the use of the term faryadi, the Court has sought to ensure that citizens are treated with dignity and respect in their interactions with law enforcement.

This judgment deserves to be welcomed and, more importantly, implemented in letter and spirit. The Court has not merely issued administrative directions; it has reminded all state institutions that authority must be exercised responsibly and in service of the citizenry. Language is a reflection of culture and the words used in official settings carry weight. By removing terms that imply subordination, the Court has signaled a shift toward a more citizen-centric approach.

However, words alone cannot bring about meaningful reform. For the Court’s vision to become reality, structural and legislative follow-through is essential. Parliament must translate the judgment into enforceable laws that strengthen accountability, limit unchecked discretion and ensure that citizens’ rights are upheld. FIR registration should be treated as a guaranteed right, not a favour dependent on an officer’s discretion. Transparency and accountability must become the standard rather than the exception.

The role of the executive, especially provincial leadership, is equally critical. In Punjab, where administrative reforms often set the benchmark for the rest of the country, the Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has a responsibility to ensure that these judicial directions are implemented effectively. Police stations operating with professionalism, efficiency and respect for citizens will not only realize the Court’s vision but also set a precedent for broader reforms nationwide.

The policing system in Pakistan continues to function under colonial-era statutes such as the Pakistan Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. While these laws have been amended over time, their legacy of control and discretion remains. The Court’s judgment provides a critical opportunity to align policing practices with constitutional values and to transform the citizen–state relationship into one based on fairness, equality and dignity.

The true test of this reform is not the elimination of a single word from an application. It is whether citizens feel empowered and respected when they approach a police station. Will complaints be registered promptly and fairly? Will citizens be treated as equals, not supplicants? Will respect and accountability become the norm rather than the exception?

The Supreme Court has set the direction. Now it is for Parliament to legislate, for the executive to implement and for institutions to internalize the principle. Only through coordinated action will the constitutional promise of dignity move from words on paper to lived reality. True reform is not achieved through changes in language alone. It is realized when power is exercised with restraint, accountability and respect.

—The writer is former Regional Executive Inclusive Development at NBP, Mirpur AK.

© Pakistan Observer