WJP index ranks Pakistan in worst for order and security
Our Correspondent
LAHORE: In response to Pakistan’s miserable ranking in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad has demanded urgent reforms to address the country’s worsening law and order situation.
The report ranks Pakistan 140th out of 142 countries in terms of Law and Order and Security, just above Mali and Nigeria.
Mian Abuzar Shad expressed deep concern over the report, emphasising the deteriorating law and order situation is hindering economic growth and damaging investor confidence. “A secure environment is a foremost prerequisite for economic development. When businesses feel unsafe, they hesitate to invest, which impacts employment volume and overall economic stability. ” Shad remarked.
The WJP index assesses countries across eight factors, including Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, and Fundamental Rights. Pakistan’s rank of 140th for Order and Security is based on three criteria: crime control, protection from armed conflicts, and the use of violence to resolve civil disputes.
The LCCI president highlighted this ranking should serve as a wake-up call for the government. “We cannot afford to ignore the underlying issues adding to this poor performance. It’s high time the government took concrete steps to ensure speedy justice for everyone which cannot be done unless all public sector officials follow rules and regulation and adopt self-accountability policy. It has been observed that there is a need for greater consistency in court operations, including the adherence to court schedules by all judicial officers, to ensure timely justice,” he stated.
He also highlighted the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors in tackling these challenges. “The private sector is prepared to support the government in its efforts to improve security, but we need a comprehensive strategy and a transparent framework that ensures accountability at all levels,” Shad added.
The report notes that Pakistan’s rule of law has declined across multiple areas, with the country ranking 129th overall out of 142 nations. Besides its poor rating on security, Pakistan stands at 103rd for constraints on government powers, 120th for corruption, 125th for fundamental rights, and 127th for regulatory enforcement.
“This downward trajectory is not just a statistical concern; it reflects the lived experiences of businesses and citizens who face hurdles every day due to the lack of security and effective governance,” Mian Abuzar Shahd pointed out.
He urged the policymakers including politicians to study the report’s findings closely and implement necessary reforms to bolster the country’s standing. “Pakistan’s potential for growth is immense, but it cannot be realized without a secure and stable environment,” he concluded.
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