Criminal justice ethics in Pakistan

Abstract

A complex interplay of legal, cultural, and religious factors shapes criminal justice ethics in Pakistan. Key ethical challenges include corruption within law enforcement, judicial independence, human rights violations, and unequal access to justice. Corruption, particularly within the police force, undermines public trust, while political interference compromises judicial independence, raising concerns about the fairness of legal decisions. Additionally, human rights abuses, such as custodial torture and extrajudicial killings, highlight severe ethical breaches in the system. The disparity in access to justice, especially for marginalized communities, further exacerbates these ethical concerns. Religious and cultural influences, primarily rooted in Islamic principles, play a significant role in shaping the ethical framework, though interpretations may vary. While the legal framework in Pakistan outlines clear ethical guidelines, systemic issues and practical challenges continue to obstruct their consistent implementation, raising crucial concerns about fairness and justice in the country's criminal justice system.