Delays in justice

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in his seminal work The Social Contract (1762), observed that "Man is born good; society corrupts him." Criminal behaviour, therefore, is not innate but a product of social decay. When inequality festers, justice fails and moral values decline, society itself begins to create the very criminals it condemns.

Crime does not emerge in isolation; it is by injustice, neglect and a delayed justice system that fails to protect the vulnerable. Broken homes, parental negligence and institutional apathy all play their part in distorting human nature. When justice is delayed, frustration turns into rebellion and resentment transforms into deviance. As per report of 2025, over 2.2 million cases remain pending in Pakistan's courts, with nearly 82% stuck at the district level. Many crimes also go unreported, as people have lost trust in the justice system.

When the justice system fails to deliver fair and timely outcomes, it breeds resentment and encourages criminal tendencies. Article 37 of the Constitution of Pakistan underlines the importance of providing "inexpensive and expeditious justice." But we fail to deliver.

To understand criminality, one must examine its causes, the harm it inflicts on society and the measures necessary to curb it. Sociologists and psychologists agree that human nature is essentially meek. No individual is born a criminal; behaviour becomes deviant only after exposure to negative influences. It often begins within the family, in strained relationships between husband and wife, extends to neighbours and gradually infects society as a whole

Fourteen hundred years ago, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that every person is born with a pure nature, but society shapes their path: "Every child is born upon fitrah (natural disposition), then his parents make him a Jew, a Christian or a Magian." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1358)

Humans are born innocent but become criminals under the influence of their surroundings. The environment in which a person is raised, including exposure to poverty, violence, neglect or substance abuse, can lead to deviant behaviour. Socioeconomic disparities and limited opportunities often push individuals toward criminal activity as a means of survival or as an act of rebellion against inequality.

Some theorists argue that criminality arises from innate instincts such as aggression, dominance and survival impulses. While humans possess rationality and moral reasoning, unchecked instincts can lead to actions harmful to both the individual and society. Psychological disorders, trauma and unresolved emotional conflicts also contribute to criminal tendencies. Traits like narcissism, sadism and egocentricity, if left untreated, can be especially destructive.

Modern society faces additional challenges through media and cultural influences. The glorification of violence, materialism and instant gratification often normalises deviant behaviour. When societal values prioritise self-interest over collective well-being, individuals are more likely to adopt unethical means to achieve their goals.

Criminal behaviour wreaks havoc on both individuals and communities. It undermines peace, creating an environment of fear, distrust and insecurity. It weakens social bonds and breaches communal harmony. Families of both victims and offenders suffer immense trauma and alienation.

The economic toll of crime is substantial. The government bears the responsibility of curbing it through active law enforcement, efficient judicial processes and effective correctional systems. Those affected by crime often face financial instability, poverty and sometimes fall into repeated criminal behaviours.

The emotional scars left by crime are equally severe. They drive some to suicide, others to harm their loved ones in moments of utter despair, and, at their worst, lead to heinous acts such as the rape and murder of children.

Timely and equitable justice forms a peaceful society. Delays in justice must be addressed to discourage the rise in crime. Judicial reforms are necessary to expedite case processing, reduce backlogs and make legal recourse accessible to all.

Treating the criminal mind, therefore, is not merely about punishment but about healing. A crime-free society is possible when we understand the criminal mind before an offence is committed. Reform begins not in prisons, but within one's own conscience.