THE major factor behind the weakening writ of the state lies in poor prosecution, which is mainly responsible for the low conviction rate in criminal cases. This not only encourages the mafias to continue with their criminal activities, but also creates distrust amongst the public in state institutions.

Despite the fact that almost every public-sector institution has its own prosecution branch, the cases are handled and dealt with in such an unprofessional manner and with such poor commitment that the outcome is almost always far from what it should be.

The provincial prosecution branch has been established in every province and the federal government has also appointed a federal prosecutor-general to oversee all state cases in various courts. In addition, other initiatives, like access to justice programme, are in place, but the result is unsatisfactory.

Besides, the government is charging electricity bills unethically, and gas bills at exorbitant rates because it fails to control theft, illogical contracts with independent power producers (IPPs), and enforces discriminatory policies. For instance, the conviction rate of electricity theft cases in Punjab during 2023 remained 11.9 per cent. Likewise, in Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) theft cases, the conviction rate was zero across the same year.

The cost incurred to achieve this low percentage of convictions is substantial. Hundreds of employees for the purpose are supposed to pursue cases in courts, but the result is rather disappointing. On the other hand, law-abiding citizens are being penalised in excess of their liability in lieu of line losses, theft and corrupt practices, which is a failure of the system.

This practically means that the burden of theft, line losses and corruption has been shifted on to the shoulders of innocent and law-abiding consumers. They are subjected to charges due to corrupt practices of mafias, as well as unprofe-ssionalism and ill-governance of state institutions. Those heading such insti- tutions are unable to come up with professionally intelligent solutions, and, as such, remain dependent on the redundant system.

In the developing world, the services of professionals are often hired to achieve satisfactory results. As such, private detectives operating in the United Kingdom represent a success story. Similarly, if the services of such professionals are hired in Pakistan, it will not only improve the conviction rate, but will also create deterrence and strengthen the writ of the state. The immediate beneficiary will be the legitimate consumers who happen to be paying for the corrupt practices of others.

Akhtar Lalayka
Ex-DIG of Police
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2024