IN an article written for various newspapers, Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that the most urgent of all challenges facing the country was the struggle to establish rule of law.
Over the last seventy five years, the PM said, the country has suffered from elite capture, where the powerful and crooked politicians, cartels and mafias, became accustomed to being above the law in order to protect their privileges gained through a corrupt system.
Whilst protecting their privileges, he said, they had corrupted state institutions, especially those upholding rule of law.
There is no denying that no matter who we are or where we live, the rule of law affects us all.
It is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace-underpinning development, accountable government and respect for fundamental rights.
It is also a proven fact that rule of law correlates to higher economic growth, greater peace, less inequality, improved health outcomes and more education.
Indeed PM Khan is only the leader in our polity who has time and again emphasized the need for rule of law and fighting the corrupt elements and mafias.
In almost every of his speech, he makes a mention of them.But mere the words are not sufficient if not coupled with action.
In such a case, the people then stop giving importance to the words of leaders.
In his election manifesto, the PM had promised wide ranging reforms in important institutions such as police.
Regardless of the passage of almost three and a half years, one does not see any progress towards that end.
Police is an important component of criminal justice system but it is still plagued by many ailments such as poor investigation and lack of accountability.
The flawed investigations create lacunae and are a decisive factor in the high rate of acquittal of offenders.
Reforms in police and judiciary are important to ensure speedy dispensation of justice and achieve the ultimate objective of strengthening rule of law in the country.
Though a difficult task, but if PM Khan makes a stride towards that end, he indeed will always be remembered for this very contribution.
