The recent lynching of a man in Swat, who was already in police detention for alleged desecration of Holy Quran, is a tragic and deeply troubling incident. There can be no justification for such an incident under any circumstances. It is imperative to emphasise that no one has the right to take law into their own hands. The foundation of any civilised society rests on rule of law and due process and when these are circumvented by mob justice, the consequences are dire. Those responsible for this heinous act must be apprehended and subjected to exemplary punishment to serve as a deterrent against future incidents.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have occurred in other cities, including Sialkot and Sargodha. Each of these events tarnished country’s image internationally. It is essential to allow the legal system to investigate and take appropriate action to ensure justice. Mob violence only leads to anarchy and further violence, which cannot be tolerated in any society striving for peace and order. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, while addressing the National Assembly, expressed his deep concerns over the Swat incident. He suggested the formation of a special committee to devise an action plan aimed at ensuring rule of law in the country.
This proposal is a step in the right direction, but more immediate actions are also required. Firstly, those who incite or participate in such acts of vigilantism in the name of religion must be punished swiftly. Secondly, heavy responsibility rests with religious scholars to present true teachings of Islam, which abhors such acts of violence. They must work actively to educate public about the importance of due process and dangers of mob justice. In any case, the law must be allowed to take its course. If someone is found guilty of blasphemy, it is the responsibility of relevant institutions to deliver justice and not the mob.
