Dilemma of Punishment Policies in Controlling Crimes in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the use of punishment policies in controlling crime in Pakistan. The study uses ARDL approach on annual time series data for the period 1981-2016. The results of the study reveal that punishment policies particularly the use of torture, extra judicial killings and disappearances incite more crime rather than controlling them. Furthermore, political imprisonments are found to be helpful in reducing crime and judiciary has no significant impact on crime in Pakistan. This brings up the need to address the root cause rather than symptoms of crime. The study suggests that the accountability of politicians and reforms of judicial system may be helpful in reducing crimes in Pakistan.