The streets of Islamabad have been buzzing for days as thousands of PTI supporters march toward the capital, demanding a fresh electoral roll and early elections. Alongside the demonstrators, dozens of Punjab police units have been dispatched to maintain law and order, setting up temporary camps on the city’s outskirts.
During the latest shift, officers from several Punjab districts raised the alarm after discovering insects and worms embedded in a bowl of lentil stew that was part of their field ration. A video that quickly spread on social media shows the discolored dal with unmistakable critters floating on the surface, prompting outrage among the troopers and sparking a debate over the quality of government‑provided meals.
The police contingent, which has been on duty since the march began on Tuesday, is supplied through a state‑run catering contract meant to feed large‑scale deployments. Logistics for such operations are notoriously complex, involving multiple vendors, refrigerated transport and on‑site kitchens that must operate in makeshift conditions. When any link in that chain falters, the result can be compromised food safety, as the officers’ footage now suggests.
Punjab’s Home Department has confirmed that it received the complaint and has ordered an immediate inspection of the catering supplier’s facilities. Officials say they will trace the origin of the contaminated batch, verify compliance with hygiene standards and, if necessary, replace the vendor. In the meantime, the police have been handed alternative meals while the inquiry proceeds.
Beyond the immediate discomfort of the affected officers, the episode underscores a broader challenge for Pakistani authorities: ensuring reliable, hygienic provisions for security forces during prolonged political events. With the PTI long march expected to continue for several more days, any disruption to morale or health could hamper the police’s ability to keep the peace, a concern that both provincial and federal governments are keen to address.