Whereas in a more well-developed legal system, the girl’s family would have reported the incident immediately, it is not surprising that it attempted to handle the case on its own. Law-enforcement agencies historically tend to be unworthy of trust when citizens are in need. Furthermore, the system of investigation needs improvement. Where a DNA test could help identify suspects, the body responsible for advising the Pakistani government on religious issues stated in 2013 that DNA tests should not be admissible as primary evidence in rape cases. Fortunately, the law has since been reformed though only four per cent of cases result in conviction, according to the NGO, War Against Rape. Justice for the victim will be a difficult trek and the family’s quest for it must be supported. Two and a half years is too short a life, especially to have experienced such height of suffering. The legal system needs to be reevaluated for full effectiveness with due process of law followed for any and every criminal in Pakistan’s territory.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2015.
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