Allah has given us the choice of whether to take Qisas or Diyat — the state cannot take away an individual’s right
KARACHI: While I agree with your paper’s view on loopholes in the criminal justice system, I object to its stance on capital punishment. What would you want as justice, if the woman raped and thrown out of the apartment window to be killed, was a very close relative of yours? Allah has given us the choice of whether to take Qisas or Diyat — the state cannot take away an individual’s right given by Allah.
If Taseer’s family wished to spare his life, only then could Qadri’s life be spared. Even the cleric who incited him needs to be tried.
As for the weaknesses in the investigation, prosecution and trial process, the need is to sort out the mess. And that can be done, if the state spends, even a small percentage of the Rs162 billion kept aside for the Orange line, wisely on the reform of the criminal justice laws and procedures.
Omer Zia
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2016.
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