Defying Reason — Questionable Arrests
Outline
- Introduction
A. Democracy under stress
B. Arrests as political tool - Misuse of Law
A. Arbitrary detentions
B. Weak evidentiary standards
C. Contradiction with constitutional rights
III. Political Fallout
A. Erodes legitimacy of govt
B. Fuels polarization
C. Undermines public trust
- Judicial Responsibility
A. Courts as guardians of rights
B. Need for stronger judicial oversight
C. Past precedents of judicial activism - Way Forward
A. End selective justice
B. Ensure due process
C. Strengthen rule of law - Conclusion
Justice must be impartial, not political
Expanded Outline
- Introduction
The editorial criticizes the government for arrests lacking due process, undermining democratic principles. - Misuse of Law
Arbitrary detentions contradict constitutional guarantees and reflect misuse of law enforcement.
III. Political Fallout
Such actions polarize politics, weaken legitimacy, and reduce trust in institutions.
- Judicial Responsibility
Courts must check executive overreach, but often remain passive. - Way Forward
Rule of law demands impartial justice and respect for due process. - Conclusion
Selective accountability erodes democracy.
Vocabulary
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms | Urdu Meaning |
| Arbitrary ⭐ | random, unjust | fair, lawful | من مانی / غیر منصفانہ |
| Detention | custody, confinement | release, freedom | حراست |
| Legitimacy ⭐ | lawfulness, validity | illegitimacy, invalidity | جواز / قانونی حیثیت |
| Impartial ⭐ | fair, neutral | biased, partial | غیر جانبدار |
| Polarization | division, separation | unity, cohesion | تقسیم / انتشار |
Important Facts & Figures
- Pakistan’s Constitution (Article 10) guarantees right to fair trial & safeguards against arbitrary arrest.
- UN Human Rights Committee repeatedly criticized Pakistan’s detention practices.
MCQs
- Article 10 of Pakistan’s Constitution ensures:
Freedom of speech b. Right to fair trial c. Religious freedom d. Right to property
Answer: b. Right to fair trial - Arbitrary arrests mainly undermine:
Economy b. Rule of law c. Diplomacy d. Media
Answer: b. Rule of law
