Anwar Maqsood defends police, says they work under Pressure and follow orders

Internationally acclaimed playwright and television host Anwar Maqsood has defended the police, saying that many police officers

LAHORE: Internationally acclaimed playwright and television host Anwar Maqsood has defended the police, saying that many police officers perform their duties under pressure and remain dependent on orders from their superiors.

Speaking at the introductory event of Dawar Mehmood’s new stage play, Maqsood said the police are responsible for protecting cities and therefore deserve protection themselves.

“Police officers work because they have no choice and wait for orders,” he said, adding that officers generally carry out whatever instructions they receive and have limited freedom to act independently.

“Police protect the cities, so they should also be protected. What can the poor police officers do?” Maqsood remarked.

The veteran playwright also spoke about his latest stage production, describing it as the final stage play he has written in his life. He said he had worked extensively on the 90-minute play and would not allow any changes to its dialogue or scenes.

“I have written the last stage play of my life. I will not allow a single dialogue or scene of this play to be changed,” Maqsood said.

He clarified that his decision was not motivated by any personal conflict with anyone in the theatre industry. “I have no fight with anyone. Everyone is my friend,” he said.

Responding to a question about Punjab’s political leadership, Maqsood praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for what he described as good work in the province. He said Lahore had changed significantly and appeared different from what it was in the past.

Maqsood revealed that his new play focuses on the culture surrounding police stations and the experiences of ordinary people dealing with the police system. The play, titled “Thana Na Dheem Thana,”explores the culture of police stations through his distinctive satirical and humorous style.

He said considerable effort had gone into writing the production and that he had devoted significant time to developing the 90-minute play.

Discussing the future of theatre in Pakistan, Maqsood stressed the importance of strengthening producers to promote the industry. According to him, producers play a crucial role in ensuring that theatre productions receive the resources and support needed to succeed.

“I have done several plays with Dawar Mehmood,” he said, expressing confidence that the new production would also prove successful.

Maqsood once again returned to the issue of the police, explaining that officers often have to work within a system where they are expected to follow instructions rather than make independent decisions.

He also shared an interesting incident from his younger days to illustrate his experiences with the police. Maqsood recalled that he once worked for a music company and would sometimes visit Lahore’s Heera Mandi in connection with music-related activities.

According to him, police officers would sometimes stop him on his way back and take him to a police station, where he would be made to sit for questioning.

The veteran artist’s comments combine humour, social criticism and personal experience, themes that have long been associated with his work. Through his latest stage play, he appears set to examine the culture of police stations while highlighting the pressures faced by both ordinary citizens and police personnel.

Maqsood’s latest production is expected to attract theatre audiences with its blend of satire, social commentary and comedy.