Governance without justice fails

Society can survive with infidelity (kufr) but not with injustice. — Imam Ali (AS)

One book that deeply influenced me is Sautu'l Adalatil Insaniyah (The Voice of Human Justice), written by George Jordac, a Christian writer of Lebanese origin. Originally written in Arabic, this book has been translated into numerous languages due to its universal appeal. It is a biography of Imam Ali (AS), chronicling his lifelong struggle for justice and his teachings on the true meaning of individual and collective rights.

George Jordac writes about Imam Ali's unmatched qualities beyond the battlefield, including his faith, piety, eloquence, magnanimity and steadfast support for the deprived and oppressed. To him, laws based on equity and justice should not only be intellectually acknowledged but also embraced by the conscience and willingly obeyed. Imam Ali (AS) said, "Your faith should reach such a level that you prefer truth over falsehood, even if truth causes loss and falsehood brings gain."

One of the most noteworthy documents written by Imam Ali (AS) is his letter to Malik Ashtar when he was appointed governor of Egypt, which outlines the responsibilities of a governor. In this letter, Imam Ali (AS) insisted that a governor must fulfil the basic needs of the people, avoid accepting gifts in office, and refrain from attending lavish gatherings that exclude the poor. Public treasury and resources, in Imam Ali's view, belong solely to the people and must be used for their welfare. He considered treachery with public resources the greatest betrayal, calling those who commit such acts despicable and unworthy of trust.

Hoarding was prohibited, which he saw as a harmful practice leading to public suffering. He instructed Malik Ashtar: "Keep in mind that many people are accustomed to parsimony and stinginess. They hoard to make a profit, weigh less, and charge more. This harms the public and reflects poorly on rulers. You should prevent them from hoarding."

He viewed poverty and hunger as direct consequences of the greed of the wealthy, stating, "If an indigent person remains hungry, it is because a rich man has withheld his share and right." His governance was a sanctuary for orphans, a source of justice for the oppressed and a model of strict oversight over rulers and market dealings. He despised tyranny and declared, "I swear that it is preferable for me to lie on thorns and be chained than to oppress anyone or usurp even the smallest thing unjustly."

Considering this type of justice and comparing it to governance in today's era, I can only yearn for such justice and true leadership, one solely dedicated to the welfare of the people.

Tragically, when we analyse the current state of justice in Pakistan, we are met with disappointment. People in Pakistan have always remained insecure under those in positions of authority. Officials misuse their power and exploit the governed as their personal possessions.

For instance, millions of ordinary citizens suffer due to the backlog of cases in the country's judicial system. According to a report, the pendency of cases at the district court level has reached 1.86 million, accounting for 82% of all pending cases in the Pakistani judicial system. Of these, civil cases constitute 64% of the pending cases in the district judiciary, while the remaining 36% comprise criminal cases.

According to the 2024 World Justice Project (WJP) report, Pakistan ranks 120th in corruption, 125th in fundamental rights, 128th in civil justice and 98th in criminal justice.

People continue to dream of a just system where the government and judiciary uphold fairness and protect citizens from oppression and exploitation. This ideal can only be achieved through rigourous checks at the highest levels and strict accountability for those in power.

The principles of justice and governance epitomised by Imam Ali (AS) have long been an aspiration for the people of Pakistan. However, without genuine commitment to these ideals, true justice will remain out of reach.