Sir: It is the third time in three months that my friend had to visit three different police stations for being held at ubiquitous pickets with hardly two or three policemen guarding them. It has become a common occurrence to harass commuters either on one count or another. If one possesses the identity card, he will be asked to show his driving licence. And if he fails to produce any of the required documents, he is threatened to be taken to the police station. The only resort available to a person is a bribe, which is happily accepted by policemen at these pickets. Usually citizens surrender before the police officers but a few honest persons are taken to the police station and have to pass through hassles to get back their automobiles. Although the security situation of the country requires extraordinary measures, it appears that policemen have found a new way to fetch money from marginalised citizens. Many luxury vehicles without any number plates are barely stopped by the police officers. In the name of public security, a hostile environment has been created. There are hardly any cases in which the police have become successful in restraining terrorists through this activity. Instead, we are witnessing cases in which this activity even threatens the life of citizens. Has police become successful in recognising and arresting criminals and target killers in Karachi and other metropolitan cities through pickets? Even if this activity is essential, why does police not show any empathy towards citizens? Apparently this has become another source of bribes for policemen. When will our police truly become people-friendly? When will our police become honest? AHMAD USAMA Lahore