Role of Ethnicity in Pakistan’s Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This study explores the role of ethnicity in the criminal justice system of Pakistan, focusing on how various ethnic groups experience law enforcement, judicial proceedings, and sentencing. Pakistan's ethnic diversity, comprising Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns, Muhajirs, and smaller communities, has significant implications for justice administration. The study examines how ethnic minorities face disproportionate levels of victimization, police profiling, and sentencing disparities. Socioeconomic status, historical, and ethnic tensions, and regional affiliations further complicate their interactions with the criminal justice system. These disparities manifest through differential access to legal representation, harsher sentencing, and higher incarceration rates for certain ethnic groups. By delving into these ethnic dynamics, the research aims to illuminate the systemic inequalities that perpetuate unequal treatment in Pakistan's criminal justice system. The study ultimately provides recommendations to address these disparities and improve justice outcomes for all ethnic groups.