Omar Danyal wrote a comprehensive five page piece on the CPLC in the June 19, 1995 issue. A lot has been said and written about this organization and the two men who run it, Nazim Haji and Jameel Yousuf. Just for the record, it all started at a Sindh Citizen’s reception we hosted at the Baradari on May 27, 1989 in honor of then Sindh Governor, Justice (rtd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim. He mooted the idea of a "Public-Police Committee". He advocated calling for the government-citizen interaction in "creating lasting institutions and attitudes of mind", for a peaceful yet dynamic society. He emphasized the need for a good and sound police-citizen relationship. He strongly pointed out that " All I want is the enforcement of the rule of law but not without compassion, not without courtesy, at the Police Thanas". Governor Fakhruddin’s statement, in short, concise terms clearly epitomized his innermost sentiments.

Two days later, the Executive Committee of SITE Association of Industry, of which I was the Vice Chairman, met him and offered our services in this regard. Lo and Behold ! This was what the Man wanted. In no time at all the CPLC was formed, and the rest is history.

The Governor is a man of far-sightedness and knew what he was up against. This was something never done in this country. Here he was trying to set up an organization that would work with the police and would assist the law-enforcers, and at the same time would try to make people understand and appreciate the law enforcement network. That was a formidable task and he chose the private sector, especially the Young Turks of Site Association.

The Governor also fully understood the complicated, totalitarian, and irresponsible working of a police station. He knew how the police system was brutally corrupted and how it was flagrantly misused by politicians and the seedy elements of the society. He, therefore, restrained himself from appointing resume-builders, nothing-doers, and publicity-seekers as members of CPLC. He chose people who were eager to contribute, who yearned to be effective, and who were keen in bringing forth change. He selected people who really mattered.

Naturally, when the private sector takes up a task, it then does it with panache, with commitment, and with derring-do. The two bold, resolute, and determined supremos, Nazim and Jameel cobbled together a team of dedicated industrialists and social workers and took up the challenge. In the process they did tread on some tender foots, not with the purpose to trample on them, but to put some practical sense into their thick heads.

The ensuing result over these past six years is a show-case of success and achievements. Like Edhi’s ambulances, the citizens have come to depend only on CPLC. In fact, even the law-enforcers are depending more and more on CPLC and its facilities.

At the time of the dedication of the Central Reporting Cell in the Governor’s House on March 16, 1990, Nazim in his speech said that "the CRC, as a co-ordinating body of CPLC will act as a hub for all communication activities, educating the citizens of their rights and duties, thru mass media". He further added that " the major issues that irritate and annoy the citizens regarding a police station are (a) refusal to register the cases, (b) impolite behavior, (c) corruption, and (d) delay or total neglect in investigation of cases". These are the complaints of citizens and they are tired of the non-chalant, apathetic, and damn-well-care attitude of the police force. Nazim added on that "they cannot be improved overnight. But a beginning needs to be made - - - and CPLC can assist. Let us all make a beginning - - -- let us all have discipline and respect for the law. Let us all set examples and stick with them".

Every successful person, organization, or thing has its detractors. CPLC is no exception. Recently, a group from the legal profession went to felicitate the new Governor, Kamal Azfar. One of their demands was the appointment of lawyers as members of CPLC. Why, one may sincerely ask these legal eagles ? Frequently, the FPCCI and KCCI come out with statements that they should be allowed to nominate their representatives as members of CPLC. Politicians too clamor for this position too. Everybody and his uncle wants a piece of the CPLC pie !

For crying out loud ! Why all this brouhaha ? Why can’t they leave this organization, a savior for the denizens of this troubled metropolis, well alone ? Why do they want to destroy this voluntary network by trying to muscle their way into its domain ? If these people want to help this organization to flourish and survive, they can do a lot of things for it. The lawyers can set up a cell to take up the cases, gratis, to defend the victims of car-snatchings, kidnappings, and dacoities. The barristers can prepare briefs which would give suggestions and advises to make life difficult for the hardened law-breakers, especially the burglars and the kidnappers. The solicitors can assist the CPLC in preparing cases to strike off from the statute books all barbaric and draconian laws that play havoc with the human rights of citizens. This is where the legal profession can be of immense help, not only to CPLC but also to the general public.

The FPCCI and the KCCI should rest assured that they are being amply represented in the CPLC. Nearly all industrialists and businessmen at present working as members of CPLC belong to companies that normally are members of KCCI or of Associations which are members of FPCCI. The hierarchy of FPCCI and KCCI are meanwhile requested to set up a permanent fund in their organizations to assist the CPLC in meeting the monthly expenses. Jameel estimates that the shortfall every month is atleast Rs 200,000. The Chambers can show altruism by off-setting these expenses. And, this is how they can be of service to CPLC.

CPLC is here to stay. To quote from the speech of Jameel Yousuf at the dedication of CRC: "Hon’ble Governor; you sowed the seed, the plant has grown, buds are visible, the beauty of the rose buds is there inspite of the thorns. We see your actions blossoming into beautiful roses with its sweet fragrance. Let us now pledge to saturate this garden with these roses so that their lilting aroma when it pleases our senses, remind us of you, Governor". How right was Jameel then ! The CPLC is truly the legacy of the Man with a vision. The CPLC is truly a Private Sector wonder. The CPLC is truly HOPE !