Constitutionalism, Rule of Law and Institutional Strength as Foundations for Peace and Stability

Barrister Zafarullah Khan stated that the basic requirement for peace and stability is social justice and political justice. In his view, institutions cannot function effectively in a society where these two forms of justice are absent. He referred to Surah Al-Hadid and explained that the meaning of the verse is that all the prophets and all the divine books were sent for one fundamental purpose: that people may establish justice ("liyaqooma al-nasu bil-qist"). Justice, therefore, is not merely a legal or political concept but the very purpose of divine guidance. He drew attention to an important point of caution: at any given time, truth may have several manifestations. One should not assume that only he himself is on the side of truth and justice while the other person is wrong, nor believe that falsehood must be eliminated by force. Such an attitude, he said, leads to intolerance and conflict, and should be avoided in a pluralistic society. He then summarized the chain of cause and effect: when justice is established, stability follows; when stability is established, peace follows. Conversely, in the absence of stability, peace cannot prevail in society.