KARACHI: The administration of Hamdard School of Law invited former Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Dr, Sanaullah Abbasi to deliver an insightful lecture on the evolving concept of “Law as a Weapon,” widely known as lawfare.

In his address, Dr Abbasi explored how law, traditionally viewed as a mechanism for justice and order, can also be strategically used as an instrument of power by states, institutions, and individuals. He referred to the book Pakistan: A Hard Country by Anatol Lieven, which describes Pakistan as a “negotiated state,” where authority often operates through compromise, pressure, and power dynamics rather than strictly through formal legal frameworks.

He explained that lawfare manifests in multiple forms. At the international level, weaker states frequently resort to legal forums and tribunals to challenge stronger adversaries. Through litigation and multilateral engagement they may impose reputational damage, financial burdens, or diplomatic constraints without direct confrontation. Conversely, authoritarian regimes may manipulate domestic legal systems to silence dissent, fabricate charges, and maintain power under the guise of procedural legitimacy.

He further highlighted how economically dominant states can leverage financial systems, sanctions, and regulatory mechanisms to extend influence beyond their borders. The use of global trade systems and financial restrictions, he noted, often illustrates how legal and economic tools intersect in modern geopolitical strategy.

He observed that in our country litigation has increasingly become a political tool. Political actors may use court proceedings and legal threats to gain partisan advantage, influence policy decisions, or silence opponents, all while maintaining an appearance of legality. Such practices, he warned, stand in contrast to the classical ideal of the rule of law, which demands transparency, predictability, and impartiality.

Discussing the post-World War II international system grounded in the United Nations Charter, he noted that while the rules-based international order aims to foster cooperation and collective security, critics argue that it sometimes reflects the interests of powerful states. Increasing great-power competition and selective adherence to international norms have placed this order under significant strain.—PR