‘Social responsibility imperative for rule of law’

Implementing the rule of law and inculcating the values of justice and righteousness is a shared responsibility of the whole society and not just the work of government departments.

These views were expressed by the Pir Mehar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) Vice Chancellor Dr Qamar Zaman.

“Majority of the citizens lack knowledge on law and their rights,” Dr Zaman said addressing a seminar titled "Public Impression in Pakistan, and a Policy Dialogue Pertaining to Justice."

The VC said that the educational institutions can play important role in helping the government on research based planning and policymaking for implementing laws.

National Public Safety Commission Director Saqib Sultan on the occasion said that justice is a crucial component that protects a state. Pakistan lags behind many other countries in dispensation of justice. As per World Justice Project 2020 report, Pakistan stands 98th in terms of justice ranking. Sultan opined that police stations are a place for the police and suspects and not common men. Police should not intimidate people by its thana culture.

FIA Headquarters Additional DG Basharat Shehzad said there is a dire need of further improving the justice system in the country, to create harmony among police, judiciary, intelligence, and prosecution departments.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2020.