Pakistan’s Flawed Law Enforcement Undermines Its Contributions to Global Security

Introduction

The breakdown of law and order in Pakistan is not merely a failure of governance; it signifies a deeper rupture within the social fabric, threatening the very foundations of justice and democracy. Three deeply flawed security tactics have emerged: extrajudicial killings, the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), and manipulation of the Fourth Schedule. These tactics, far from curbing crime and terrorism, risk transforming the country into a lawless hub of extremism, thereby undermining its contributions to the global fight against terror.

Extrajudicial Killings: A Disturbing Trend

It is appalling how frequently extrajudicial killings occur, with authorities offering the same justification each time: that the accused died in a hail of gunfire from their accomplices. Meanwhile, law enforcers remain silent, sending a distressing message: they are no longer the arbiters of justice. Quick, expedient measures have taken precedence, with those in power quietly condoning lawlessness. Crime can never be effectively countered through such measures.

In just one month, more than four major staged encounters have come to light. In Quetta and Umerkot, police officers killed individuals they were meant to protect. When law enforcers begin committing crimes in the name of justice, it raises serious alarm. Authority without accountability is a recipe for disaster; unchecked power is dangerous, and when those tasked with protecting society become its greatest threat, anyone can be next.

The Dangers of Branding

The rise in extrajudicial killings has made it easy to brand anyone a terrorist or criminal, thereby stripping them of their dignity. For instance, the plotters of the 2021 Chinese bus bombing incident were killed during an alleged escape attempt while serving life sentences. This raises troubling questions: why were they killed rather than prosecuted? Was it frustration with Pakistan’s moratorium on the death penalty? If the goal was to send a message, justice delivered through lawful means would have been far more effective than resorting to extrajudicial measures.

Misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA)

The ATA, originally intended to combat terrorism, has been grossly overextended to cover minor offenses and even political dissent. Since its implementation in 1997, 38,800 cases have been registered, and 187,724 arrests have been made in connection with the law. However, there have been only 9,560 convictions, many of which were overturned. Furthermore, 28,655 individuals have been acquitted, including 369 women who could not escape the ever-expanding definition of a “terrorist” in the Pakistani legal system. This law must be prevented from being misused, and counseling and rehabilitation services need to be provided for those wrongly accused under it.

Manipulation of the Fourth Schedule

Similarly, the Fourth Schedule, initially designed to monitor individuals suspected of terrorism, has been turned into a tool to silence journalists, activists, and dissenters. Instead of countering genuine threats, it has been weaponized to intimidate the opposition under the guise of national security. This misuse of power has cemented the perception that institutions are no longer engaged in battling terrorism but are using regulatory laws to silence voices that challenge the status quo.

Decentralization of Law Enforcement

The decentralization of police forces under the 18th Amendment has exacerbated these issues. Leadership changes in the police are now dictated by political factions seeking control, rather than merit. This power struggle has perverted the original mission of the police, leaving the public unprotected and vulnerable. The police, once guardians of public order, now serve political masters, using their power to settle scores.

The Need for Accountability

The concept of accountability—once the cornerstone of law enforcement—has been all but abandoned. Without accountability, law enforcement has become a battleground for political and bureaucratic tussles. Meanwhile, the public, the most vulnerable in this equation, watches helplessly as the law is perverted by those who should be upholding it.

The Path Forward

It is time to restore accountability in the police forces. Rogue officers involved in extrajudicial killings must be prosecuted, sending a clear message that no one is above the law. The families of victims deserve justice, not hollow apologies or coerced settlements. Recruitment of law enforcement personnel must focus on encouraging professionalism, weeding out radical elements, and fostering a culture of respect for due process.

The ATA itself requires urgent restructuring, and the Fourth Schedule must return to its original purpose—targeting genuine threats, not political dissenters. Law enforcement must stop being an arm of political power and return to its role as the protector of public safety and justice.

Conclusion

Let us remember that the rule of law is a necessity, not a choice. The unchecked misuse of the ATA, the manipulation of the Fourth Schedule, and the rise in extrajudicial killings have made it easy to brand anyone a terrorist or criminal, thereby stripping them of their dignity. Likewise, accountability is not a choice; it is an urgent necessity.

As one critic aptly stated, “The safeguard of our people’s liberties is not the law, but the protection of the law against misinterpretation.” The country’s leadership must be compelled to rein in such abuses and restore a system where justice, democracy, and governance are upheld—not through violence, but through the rule of law.