CAN anybody from the ruling elite claim to have solved any one of Pakistan’s major problems? Despite our gargantuan defence budget, are we safe? Are we a healthy, well-educated, industrial, scientific or technological nation? Do we have friendly relations with other nations? Beyond the major cities, do rural Pakistanis in any of the provinces have access to adequate facilities?

These failures have created a sense of insecurity among our people. However, the army chief’s recent comments regarding the supremacy of the Constitution, and the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif as prime minister, are positive steps towards a free and fair political process in Pakistan – steps that might lead to better outcomes for the common man.

To this end, the military, judiciary and political leadership must address the issue of enforced disappearances of political and social workers such as Punhal Sario. In this day and age it is appalling that such a practice should take place in Pakistan. It is not impossible for law enforcement agencies to find proof against suspects, detain them legally and produce them before a court of law to determine their innocence or guilt.

We must trust in the supremacy of the Constitution, the transparency of LEAs and the competency of the judiciary to properly dispense justice.

Ayaz Samo

Beijing

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2017