Chowkidara-System-A Missing-Institution

Abstract

The article unveils the history of ‘Chowkidara System’ in the sub-continent starting from Mughal era, and passing through the colonial period. The article reflects the need of ‘Chowkidara system’ in present day Pakistan as the original system seems vanishing. The legislation framed under section 39-A of The Punjab Laws Act, 1872 is the sole law for running the affairs of Chowkidars. The comparison study of ‘Chowkidara System’ prevailing in India further provides the utility of the system that seems missing in Pakistan. The talk with Chowkidar leader and case study of different citations portray the miserable conditions of Chowkidars who are struggling for their minimum wage, and for the recovery of lost glory of Chowkidars. The private security concept further deteriorated this public institution of security, and it has been suggested that the soaring challenges to the law and order can be overcome if the ‘system’ is rehabilitated under the command of law enforcement agencies.