BY : Zunaira Qureshi
Karachi.
Karachi : I am writing to express my concern about the consistent lack of law enforcement in Pakistan, which undermines public safety and justice. Two recent cases one involving a rape at a Lahore college and another Karsaz accident in Karachi, highlight the urgent need for accountability. On October 13, 2024, a tragic incident occurred at a Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) campus in Lahore. A security guard allegedly raped a first-year student in the college basement after she was mistakenly locked there during a break. Despite public outcry and protests, the college administration has been criticized for prioritizing its reputation over transparency. The situation escalated into violent clashes between students and police resulting in injuries. The delayed and partial response
suggests systemic negligence in protecting students and holding perpetrators accountable. The victim remains in
critical condition with her family facing difficulties in pursuing justice amidst the administrative pressure and chaos at the institution. Another recent example is the tragic Karsaz road accident that happened on August 19, 2024. The incident involved a luxury vehicle driven by Natasha Danish, who crashed into multiple vehicles near the Pakistan Maritime Museum resulting in the death of 26-year-old Aamna and her father, Imran. Despite
initial charges of negligence and culpable homicide being registered the case took a disappointing turn when the victim’s family announced in court that they had forgiven the suspect “in the name of Allah” and submitted a no-objection certificate for her bail. Many believe that the driver’s privileged background played a significant role in the outcome highlighting the persistent issue of class-based impunity. Although the law requires accountability for reckless driving powerful individuals often manage to escape consequences. These cases reveal the urgent need for reforms in Pakistan’s justice system to ensure consistent enforcement of laws regardless of social class or institutional influence. Without accountability public trust continues to shatter leaving citizens vulnerable and justice unattainable. I urge the authorities to investigate these cases impartially and implement stricter laws to prevent future occurrences. Our legal system must serve all citizens equally regardless of background, to restore public faith and prevent such injustices from becoming the norm.
