Structural flaws.

THE recent acquittal of Shahrukh Jatoi is a travesty of justice. While the common man believes justice has not been done by the courts, the larger picture gets largely ignored. Since the inception of Pakistan, the elite class has continuously struggled to accumulate power at the expense of the other social classes. This constant struggle has led to the creation of extractive institutions that limit the possibility of the middle and lower classes to excel, achieve and materialise their dreams.

The criminal justice system is one such domain. It is purportedly designed for the welfare of the public to protect their rights and liberty, but in reality it is just a philosophical idea that bears no resemblance to the ground reality.

Justice delayed is justice denied, but why did it take 10 years to acquit Jatoi? The prosecution was unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt due to a variety of...