The incidents of mob violence in Sargodha and Karachi are stark reminders of the dangers posed by taking the law into one’s own hands. These tragic events highlight urgent need for societal and legal reforms to prevent such chaos from tarnishing country’s image and undermining the rule of law.
In Sargodha, a Christian man and his family found themselves at the mercy of an enraged mob following allegations of desecrating the Holy Quran. The situation escalated as the mob set fire to family’s shoe shop and attempted to break into their home. Fortunately, the swift intervention of the police prevented further tragedy. The outrage over desecration of the Holy Quran is understandable, as no Muslim can tolerate such an act. However, no law permits individuals to exact vigilante justice. If there had indeed been an act of desecration, the proper course of action would have been to approach the police and file a complaint. Allowing the legal system to investigate and take appropriate action is the only way to ensure justice. Mob violence against minorities not only violates human rights but also damages country’s reputation. The authorities must thoroughly investigate the Sargodha incident, holding accountable anyone guilty of desecration and prosecuting those who participated in the mob violence.
Similarly, in Karachi’s Orangi Town, mob justice reared its ugly head when a crowd chased down two robbers. One robber was beaten to death, while the other, who had taken a rickshaw driver hostage, was saved from being set on fire by a timely police intervention. The rise in street crimes in Karachi is a serious concern, but lynching criminals is not the solution. Such acts reflect a breakdown of trust in the justice system. The people must understand that justice can only be served through lawful means. Instead of resorting to violence, they should have handed the suspect over to police. These incidents are also symptomatic of a deeper malaise in our justice system, which often fails to deliver timely and fair justice, leading to public frustration and a resort to vigilantism. Both federal and provincial governments must urgently reform the justice system to restore public confidence. Ensuring the prompt and fair dispensation of justice will deter people from taking the law into their own hands. Only by upholding rule of law in letter and in spirit and strengthening legal institutions can we prevent the anarchy witnessed in Sargodha and Karachi.
