Let Justice Not Be Limited to a Single Incident The Dignity of the Poor, the Rule of Law, and the Responsibility of the State

By: A Citizen’s Perspective
The true identity of a civilized society is not defined by its towering buildings, development projects, or the grand promises made by its rulers. Rather, it is reflected in the dignity, protection, and justice afforded to ordinary citizens. The real success of a state becomes evident when even the most vulnerable person can raise their voice for their rights and trust that the law will stand by them.
The recent incident involving the alleged mistreatment and slapping of a poor citizen has once again highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity. The decision to take notice of the matter and make efforts to ensure that the affected individual receives justice is commendable. Maryam Nawaz’s attention to the incident can be viewed as a positive step, because when an ordinary citizen’s dignity is violated, it is the fundamental responsibility of the state to take the complaint seriously and ensure that the matter is investigated fairly.
However, an important question arises: Should a person receive justice only when a video of the incident goes viral on social media or when an influential personality takes notice? Should a poor citizen have to prove their helplessness before their complaint is heard? Certainly, this should not be the case in an ideal system of justice.
The real test of the rule of law comes when a powerful individual stands against someone who is weak and vulnerable. When an ordinary citizen suffers injustice, they should not have to rely on personal connections, political influence, or public pressure to obtain justice. Every citizen should have confidence that the relevant authorities will listen to their complaint, conduct an impartial investigation, and take action in accordance with the law.
It is also important to recognize that wealth, status, and influence should never determine a person's worth or the respect they receive. A labourer, street vendor, shopkeeper, employee, and ordinary citizen deserves the same dignity as a senior official, politician, or influential individual. Poverty does not justify humiliation, nor does holding a position of authority give anyone the right to consider themselves above the law.
If a government official, an influential individual, or an ordinary citizen mistreats another person, the matter should be investigated transparently and dealt with according to the law. No one should be declared guilty merely on the basis of an allegation, but neither should the voice of a complainant be suppressed. The rule of law requires both the protection of the person seeking justice and the right of the accused to a fair legal process.
Maryam Nawaz’s attention to this matter may serve as a positive example, but the greater need is to make such a response a permanent feature of the system rather than an exception. Every citizen should be treated with dignity in police stations, government offices, hospitals, municipal departments, and other public institutions. There must be an effective complaint mechanism through which ordinary people can seek redress without unnecessary delays, hardship, or dependence on recommendations from influential people.
The responsibility of those in power should not end with taking notice of an individual incident. They must also strengthen institutions so that every citizen's rights are protected consistently. If one victim receives justice, it is certainly encouraging. However, if thousands of other citizens continue to face similar mistreatment without receiving proper attention, the system itself must be examined and improved.
The need of the hour is to ensure that justice does not depend on the attention of a public figure, the popularity of a viral video, or a political recommendation. Justice is the right of every citizen, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, influential or powerless.
In conclusion, Maryam Nawaz’s attention to this matter is commendable. However, the true success of such an initiative will be achieved when every vulnerable person in society feels confident that their dignity is protected, their voice will be heard, and the law will respond to any injustice committed against them.
The strength of a state is not demonstrated by its ability to exercise power over the weak, but by its commitment to protecting them. A strong society is one in which the powerful are held accountable under the law and the poor do not have to knock on the doors of influential people merely to protect their dignity and secure their rights.
Justice is not a favour granted by those in power; it is a fundamental right of every citizen.