NE of the leading causes of lawlessness in the country is the lack of effectiveness of the law-enforcement and criminal justice systems, both interlinked. Cases routinely go on for abnormally long periods, and much of this is due to lacklustre investigation and prosecution efforts. As recently reported in this paper, Supreme Court Justice Amir Hani Muslim, monitoring judge of the anti-terrorism courts in Sindh, expressed his displeasure over the fact that there were over 1,600 absconders in 456 cases in Karachi`s ATCs. Many of these individuals were said to be involved in `heinous and terrorism cases`, with some reportedly linked to political parties, and others to criminal gangs. The number of absconders in other courts is even larger. Some of the absconders were out on bail, while others had not been arrested yet. Justice Muslim was rightly critical of the police for failing to apprehend the individuals.

It is an unsettling thought that persons accused of being involved in violence or acts of terrorism are at liberty. While some political parties have accused the state of victimising their workers and politically motivated cases are not unknown in Pakistan the fact remains that if there is solid evidence linking political workers to crime, then they should face justice. Of course, the police bear primary responsibility for tracking down absconders and making sure they appear in court.

In this age of technology and scientific advancement, it is totally unacceptable that law enforcers in Pakistan`s largest city are unable to produce 1,600 individuals wanted in such serious cases in court. The Sindh police must make a greater effort to track down these suspects and bring them to court, so that that their cases can be resolved without delay. As for absconders with political links, parties must also play a greater role in ensuring errant members face the justice system.

It is difficult to argue with the fact that individuals wanted in sensitive cases can pose a threat to public safety. We have examples in our midst where militants that have escaped from custody have gone on to perpetrate horrific violence. If suspects are not tried and prosecuted, this will only provide further space for extrajudicial methods, as well as parallel systems such as the military courts. There are no short cuts to overhauling the law-enforcement and criminal justice systems; among the first requirements is producing suspects in court and concluding trials within a reasonable period.