A SENIOR politician and federal minister recently publicly admitted in a live television talk show that a few months ago there was a theft at his ancestral house in Chiniot from where he and his family have repeatedly won National Assembly elections. The minister stunned viewers by conceding honestly and candidly that he was helpless and could not trace the culprits mainly because of police in-efficiency. We all know that law and order situation across Pakistan is pathetic, but it is really scary and alarming that even a sitting federal minister, who is supposedly more powerful than the common man, is ‘helpless’ within the system.

By expressing publicly his frustration with the system, the minister has done a great service to Pakistan. I appreciate his courage for admitting that law-enforcement is highly unsatisfactory in the country.

When systems fail, even the powerful grow desperate. The minister also happens to be heading the Board of Investment, which means his job is to encourage investment in Pakistan from both local and foreign investors. Among other factors, rule of law is an important factor to create an enabling environment for investment in any country. Simply passing legislations in national and provincial assemblies is not enough. Strict implementation of laws is necessary to maintain law and order for peace, prosperity and, indeed, investment.

Ejaz Ahmad Magoon
Dubai, UAE

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2026