From Crime Scene to Courtroom: Investigating Flaws and their Role in Low Conviction Rates in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The effectiveness of police investigation is a major tenet of the criminal justice system. In Pakistan, especially District Dir Lower in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, systemic flaws such as inadequate training, political interference, and resource constraints have been identified as some of the major reasons behind low conviction rates. This study intends to analyze the factors accounting for low conviction rates in District Dir Lower with a focus on low-quality police investigations, witness protection issues, and professional competencies of legal practitioners. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 261 respondents, including complainants, police officials, public prosecutors, and private counsels. Data were collected through structured interviews schedule using a 5-point Likert Scale. Relationship tests were done using SPSS, including Pearson Correlation and multiple regression. The analysis revealed that there is a moderate positive correlation between the inability of police officials to prove cases and low conviction rates (r = 0.272, p < 0.01) and between defective investigations and low conviction rates (r = 0.312, p < 0.01). The multiple regression model explains that police qualification, age, and level of income are all jointly able to explain up to 27.1% of the variation in conviction rates. The study highlights that weaknesses in police investigations, like training deficits and resource lack, greatly influence conviction rates. Socio-economic factors and a lack of adequate legal expertise worsen the scenario, creating less public confidence in the justice system. Further recommendations for increasing conviction rates include continuous training of police officers, provision of modern investigative tools, and good synergy with other legal entities; addressing their socio-economic barriers through legal aid and community outreach will help ensure equitable access to justice.