Editorial
The government must urgently address the alarming fact that Pakistan has plummeted to the third-worst position among 142 countries in law and order, according to the World Justice Project’s (WJP) annual survey. This is a stark indictment of the government’s failure to combat crime, prevent armed conflicts, and quell the violence that often resolves civil disputes—crucial elements of WJP’s Order and Security Index.
In its 2024 report, the WJP’s Rule of Law Index reveals that only Mali and Nigeria rank lower than Pakistan, underscoring the state’s inability to maintain order amidst resurging insurgencies and persistent secessionist movements. The security forces appear perpetually reactive, struggling to implement effective measures. The horrific lessons of the TTP’s insurgency, which claimed over 80,000 innocent lives, remain hauntingly unlearned.
Moreover, border conflicts are not the sole issue at hand. An alarming rise in crime, from petty theft to violent assaults, coupled with a police force increasingly perceived as politicized has left communities vulnerable. The intricate web of crime refuses to be contained, signaling a deeper systemic failure. Families live in fear, businesses struggle to operate, and the fabric of society is fraying.
These persistent issues have culminated in Pakistan’s disastrous ranking in maintaining law and order, yet the government shows little indication of urgency or a commitment to meaningful reform. Citizens are becoming increasingly aware that political parties exploit democratic processes solely to advance personal agendas, neglecting their constitutional obligation to serve the public.
The WJP’s findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive institutional reforms. Pakistan’s performance was abysmal across all eight metrics evaluated by the WJP, including governance constraints (103rd), corruption (120th), and civil justice (128th). Alarmingly, Pakistan finds itself at the bottom of the rankings alongside Afghanistan among six surveyed South Asian nations, highlighting the urgent need for change.
This distressing reality should catalyze a response from the government and key institutions. However, history suggests that any acknowledgments of the need for reform will quickly give way to the status quo. Political parties pay lip service to reform initiatives around elections, yet when confronted with the enormity of the crisis—most major institutions are in disarray—those promises often dissipate until the next election cycle.
With the security landscape deteriorating, the economy in freefall, rising crime rates, and widespread barriers to justice, it is evident that continuity is no longer a viable option. Pakistan also grapples with dismal statistics regarding population, poverty, and literacy—factors compounding this Herculean reform challenge that demands unwavering commitment and cooperation across all branches of government. International support and collaboration are crucial in this endeavor, as the issues at hand are not just Pakistan’s, but the world’s.
Amidst this bleak backdrop, there remains skepticism about whether the political elite, mired in power struggles, can muster the dedication necessary to effect change. It is disheartening to witness politicians, who profess to prioritize the electorate’s needs, instead focus on their own narrow interests once in power. This self-serving behavior has only exacerbated the troubling trends highlighted in the WJP’s report.
Despite the current challenges, all citizens can do now is hope for a shift towards accountability and genuine reform, distinct from the disillusioning patterns of the past. This hope is a powerful force that can inspire positive change.
