It wouldn’t be wrong to call Rao Anwar a racially motivated killer. After all, the majority of the victims of his ‘encounters’ were Pakhtuns and Mohajirs. When people belonging to certain communities are targeted by an individual repeatedly, malice is bound to exist in that individual’s heart and mind. The protocol this cold blooded murderer is receiving these days, however, is adding to the anguish of the families of his victims. This is the first time in the history of the country that such blatant immunity has been extended to the murderer of 444 people. If he has been declared guilty by the initial inquiry committee, then why is he being treated so reverently? This has exposed the cracks in our system. Something is cooking beneath the surface. The kin of innocents like Naqeeb Mahsud are of the view that some hidden forces are trying to indemnify Rao in the ongoing case. These forces could be the members of the Sindh government or certain intelligence agencies. Whoever they are, if Rao gets away with a backlog of 444 murders, then it will cause more resentment against the state. Things will go from bad to worse. Should he go scot free,it could result in more violence as people try to avenge their loved ones themselves. Not to mention the sanctity of law will mean nothing anymore. People already have the impression that the law in this country only applies to the impoverished and weak, and not the wealthy and powerful. Why wouldn’t they when Rao Anwar still has the gall to complain about the courtroom air conditioner not performing to his standards? People already have the impression that the law in this country only applies to the impoverished and weak, and not the wealthy and powerful. Why wouldn’t they when Rao Anwar still has the gall to complain about the courtroom air conditioner not performing to his standards? Furthermore, political parties will exploit the case to meet their own ends. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Karachi chapter has already capitalised on the case, using its narrative to campaign for the upcoming election. As election season approaches, more parties can be expected to do the same. Thus, the judiciary should expedite the proceedings of the case and meritoriously conclude it. It is of paramount importance to dispense timely justice to the bereaved families, or else the people’s already weak faith in this country’s laws and judicial system risks being completely shattered. Treating criminals like heroes is bound to cause resentment among the general public. It leads to demoralisation among the masses about the concept of equality before the law. The only feasible option is to let the law take its course, so that the murderer can get his just reward. The writer can be contacted at asifmahsud44@yahoo.com Published in Daily Times, May 29th 2018.