Improving Gun Control.

The attack on an off-duty policeman in Karachi over the weekend is indicative of the state's failure to monopolise the use of violence. The shocking incident saw a police constable in civilian clothes brutally beaten due to a mild disagreement over seating arrangements. The problem here is not that a policeman was attacked; if anything, it shows that 'might is right' is employed as a very successful policy by many powerful people. If this had not been a policeman, the case might not even have been reported.

Of course, ensuring that those involved in the incident are found and punished is essential. But perpetrators of crimes like this often escape scot-free due to the influence and power their families possess. This must not be the case. Backdoor dealings and out-of-court settlements only erode trust in the system and allow for perpetrators to carry out such attacks in the future with impunity, without redressal, regret and rehabilitation. The state has a duty to all of its citizens, especially those that have been victimised in some way. All eyes will be on the police first to carry out...

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