Allah Nawaz Khan
In Pakistan, injustice and favoritism have increased significantly. Nepotism and unfair practices have created numerous problems in society. Positions and offices are often obtained through recommendations and influence, even when the individuals concerned are not qualified. Granting positions to unqualified people is a form of injustice. Likewise, punishments are sometimes waived through personal influence and recommendations, which is also an act of oppression and falls under the category of injustice.
The growing prevalence of injustice and favoritism has caused serious deterioration in Pakistan’s social and institutional systems. The decline of meritocracy has given rise to various problems. Capable and deserving individuals are being deprived of their rightful opportunities. When competent people see unqualified individuals being favored, frustration and anger develop within them, which may push some towards criminal activities. Crimes such as theft, robbery, corruption, and other offenses often increase where injustice prevails.
Nepotism has also inflicted considerable damage on Pakistan. Politics has further contributed to the deterioration of the system. The ruling class tends to reward those who support them politically. As a result of injustice and favoritism, social divisions have widened. The rich are becoming richer, while the poor continue to sink deeper into poverty. When positions are awarded to unqualified individuals through favoritism, they often engage in corruption and abuse of power. Wealth or authority acquired through illegitimate means creates major crises within society. Obtaining justice has become extremely difficult for ordinary citizens, whereas wealth and influence often make it easier to secure favorable outcomes, even when such outcomes amount to injustice. A poor and helpless person may struggle endlessly to obtain his rights, while a powerful individual can easily achieve almost anything.
Justice is essential for the stability and survival of any nation. Societies that abandon justice and instead promote favoritism and injustice eventually face decline and destruction. Islam places great emphasis on justice. The Holy Qur’an states: “And when you judge between people, judge with justice.” (An-Nisa 4:58)
Islam strongly advocates fairness and discourages favoritism and nepotism. Allah Almighty commands pure and impartial justice so that success may be achieved. The Qur’an further teaches that justice should not be abandoned even because of enmity toward a people, nor should friendship or kinship influence fair judgment. Allah says: “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:8)
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized that justice must always take precedence. Even if a close relative is affected by a fair decision, injustice should not be committed. Recommendations and personal influence should never interfere with the administration of justice.
According to a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Aisha (RA), the Quraysh were concerned about a woman from the tribe of Banu Makhzum who had committed theft. They wondered who would speak to the Prophet (peace be upon him) on her behalf. They decided that Usama bin Zaid (RA), who was beloved to the Prophet, would do so. When Usama interceded, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Are you interceding regarding one of Allah’s prescribed punishments?” He then delivered a sermon and said: “The nations before you were destroyed because when a noble person committed theft, they let him go, but when a weak person committed theft, they punished him. By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand.” (Tirmidhi)
A nation that establishes justice without regard to personal likes, dislikes, relationships, or status does not perish. Injustice and favoritism only lead to further social decay rather than reform.
In Pakistan, the system of justice has been severely weakened. Recommendations and influence are frequently used to obtain government jobs, leading to injustice. As a result, unqualified individuals occupy important positions. When incompetent people assume authority, merit is undermined, and justice disappears. Pakistan needs leaders who are competent and capable. The incompetence of many rulers has plunged the country into serious difficulties. Poor governance has also contributed to the deterioration of law and order and increased political instability.
If favoritism continues unchecked, the country will face even greater challenges in the future. However, if a fair system of justice is established, confidence among the youth will increase. When young people believe that deserving individuals receive their rightful opportunities, they will be more motivated to contribute to national development. The country’s economy will become stronger and more stable.
For the rule of law and the independence of institutions, it is essential to eliminate the culture of favoritism and injustice. All institutions must be cleansed of bribery, corruption, and nepotism. Through justice and merit, Pakistan can achieve progress and enhance its standing and reputation in the world.
Email: allahnawazk012@gmail.com
