RECENTLY, a bank guard killed a bank manager over alleged blasphemy. I knew the deceased well through a number of mutual connections. He belonged to a very spiritual and pious family. Regardless of what transpired between the victim and the murderer, the responsibility of punishing the offender rests with the state.

The state needs to strengthen the judicial system and instill confidence in the people that they will be looked after as well as protected.

It is the state that should be punishing transgressors — if any — and not individuals.

Qaswar Ali Bhatti
Sargodha

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2020