I am writing to express my concern over the rising threat of mob mentality in Pakistan, which has escalated alarmingly in recent years. Pakistan has a long history of mob lynchings and mob violence, reflecting a breakdown of societal harmony and failure of institutions.
Mob mentality, where people lose their individual and collective sense of responsibility, has earned a bad reputation for the country worldwide. Very recently, a doctor, who was booked on blasphemy charges and died in a police encounter, was not allowed to be buried. The zealots took away the dead body from the family of the deceased only to burn it. Similarly, a few months back, the infamous ‘Halwa incident’ highlighted how ignorance, irresponsible attitude, anger and moral decay of society can lead to fatal situations.
The religious trigger of mob lynchings is not a new normal. We lost a young soul and a sharp mind in the form of brutal killing of Mashal Khan by his university fellows in 2017. The lack of evidence and innocence of the deceased was proved later which was also the case in the mob lynching of Priyantha Kumara, a Sri Lankan working in a Pakistani factory. Several other interlinked factors contribute to mob violence. Pakistan, as a highly polarized society, is always prone to a politically charged and economically unstable environment. Political gains often overshadow the rule of law when people are emotionally or financially exploited to rally and pushed towards violent protests. A lack of trust in law enforcement bodies worsens the situation when people feel the need to resort to mob justice, believing it to be a quicker solution. False and unsubstantiated accusations can incite violence and the fear of isolation can lead individuals to join a mob for societal validation. Personal vendetta has also been a trigger of mob violence in the country.
The irrational behaviour is always started by a few who are joined in by others having herd mentality. This was evident in the Minar e Pakistan incident where a young woman was harassed and physically abused by a mob, consisting men of all ages. Similarly, the deaths in a violent Chaman protest in June 2024 again urged the need to control emotions and anger at a collective level. These and other incidents followed public outcry, but recognition of the issue temporarily is not sufficient.
Addressing the issue of mob mentality requires a multidimensional approach. Ethical and civil education is the need of the hour to incorporate responsibility, empathy, kindness and tolerance in society. Public should be given awareness on how to manage the situation if they ever get caught in one. Forming accessible local committees that address any such blasphemous or social accusations can refrain people from resorting to mob justice. The law enforcement agencies should regain public trust by serving quick justice. Moreover, social media and electronic media should be monitored to take down any content stimulating or glamorizing collective vandalism.
Overall, mob mentality is a serious and critical societal issue that needs to be addressed at the state and local levels alike. Curbing the root causes of the problem along with instilling high moral values can prevent the loss of lives and international defamation of the country. By understanding the current triggers and historical context of the problem, we can foster a more humane and sensible society where individuals feel safe and protected.
—The writer is a lawyer, based in Rawalpindi.
