Pakistan’s Crisis of Justice.
By Mansoor Hussain Laghari
Pakistan’s Crisis of Justice: When the Powerful Are Protected, Nations Lose Their Soul
A country is not measured by the slogans of its politicians or the speeches given on international stages. A country is measured by a simple question:
Can an ordinary person receive justice when the accused are powerful?
Recent reports from Pakistan regarding Swiss national Sofia Maria Miller, who was allegedly kidnapped after arriving in Lahore, should disturb anyone who believes in human dignity and the rule of law. Reports have also raised allegations involving a family connection to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. These claims require a completely independent, transparent investigation. Allegations are not convictions — but influence must never shield anyone from accountability.
For me, this is not just another news story.
I was born in Sindh, under Pakistan’s rule. I know the kindness of ordinary people, their hospitality, and their generosity. But I also know the painful reality of a system where power, politics, and connections have too often influenced justice.
My own family experienced the consequences of standing against injustice. My father spent his life defending minorities, peasants, and the voiceless — and paid a heavy price.
The world has seen these failures before.
American journalist Daniel Pearl went to Pakistan searching for the truth. In 2002, he was kidnapped and brutally murdered by extremists. His case became a global symbol of the dangers faced by journalists and the struggle against terrorism.
Yet nearly two decades later, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered the release of men previously convicted in connection with his killing, including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. To many around the world, it was a devastating message: even one of the most internationally recognized terrorism cases could end without the accountability many expected.
That destroyed trust.
Justice cannot depend on political pressure. Justice cannot depend on who your father or grandfather is. Justice cannot depend on whether a case receives international attention.
I have strongly criticized Ishaq Dar’s hostility toward Israel and his positions on the Jewish state. But this issue is much bigger than politics. Human rights are not selective. A victim’s dignity does not change based on religion, nationality, or ideology.
As a Muslim who proudly stands against antisemitism and extremism, I believe we must hold ourselves accountable first.
Too many societies are destroyed because people condemn injustice only when committed by their enemies — but remain silent when committed by their own side.
That hypocrisy is poison.
Pakistan’s people deserve better. The millions of honest Pakistanis who work hard, raise families, and believe in decency deserve institutions worthy of them.
The world is watching.
Will Pakistan protect power?
Or will Pakistan protect justice?
Because when justice becomes selective, trust dies — and when trust dies, nations begin to collapse.
Mansoor Hussain Laghari
Founder, Global Youth Unity Project (GYUP)
Founder, Nabisar Films
U.S. Army Veteran
