Extrajudicial killing

This letter refers to the news report ‘Umerkot doctor accused of blasphemy killed in 'fake' police shootout: Sindh minister’ (September 26, 2024). The already deep rooted extremism in this society has spread its tentacles into the state machinery. Part of the reason for this is the noncommittal approach of the state and a seeming unwillingness to take the spread of extremism seriously. Pakistan has seen mob killings before but the state has not attempted to stop the actual cause of this extremism.

The political parties have also failed to address this despite the fact that they are the most powerful entities in terms of their influence over the people. They have penetration in both civil and administrative sectors and their words can help counter extremism. The law-enforcement personnel involved in this heinous act should be dealt with in an exemplary manner.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada