No law, no order

Pakistan has been ranked the third-worst among 142 countries in terms of law and order, according to a new report by the World Justice Project (WJP). The report, Rule of Law Index, is a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform in the nation's justice and security framework. In the 2024 edition of the report, Pakistan was ranked 140th for Order and Security, which measured three factors: crime control, protection from armed conflicts and the use of violence to resolve civil disputes. Only Nigeria and Mali, both experiencing long-term internal conflicts, rank below Pakistan. The country's current standing reflects the daily realities faced by masses who grapple with violence, corruption and ineffective law enforcement. The findings underscore a critical crisis of confidence in the institutions meant to protect citizens. A justice system plagued by inefficiencies, alongside corruption, erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law.

Moreover, the ranking has broader implications for Pakistan's socio-economic development. Investors are deterred by the prevailing instability, and international perceptions of safety can adversely affect tourism and foreign investment. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach: strengthening judicial processes, enhancing police training, and promoting transparency in law enforcement, and cracking down on violent groups. The country's path toward stability and prosperity hinges on restoring faith in its legal institutions and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The government must prioritize comprehensive reforms that tackle the root causes of insecurity and injustice. The country needs to provide the bare basics for its people. Safety is not merely the absence of violence; it is the presence of justice. The also country needs to introduce much-needed and delayed judicial reforms to better tackle the current perceptions. Even after a passage of more than 75 years, the country continues to face some of the same challenges it did when it gained independence.