Public hangings raise urgent questions of justice, human rights, and morality, challenging nations on their legal, social, and economic choices.
In the shadowed corners of our global society, where justice intersects with morality, the practice of capital punishment—particularly public hangings—casts a long and contentious shadow. While some argue its necessity for maintaining order, a deeper examination reveals profound implications for the societies that uphold it, affecting human rights, economic landscapes, and international standing.
The Legacy of Hanging: A Colonial Relic
Hanging, a remnant of colonial-era justice, remains the primary mode of execution in several countries, raising stark questions about human rights, judicial fairness, and the fallibility of justice systems. Despite international condemnation, Pakistan continues to have one of the highest execution rates globally. Since lifting its moratorium on the death penalty in 2014—following the tragic Peshawar school massacre—hundreds of individuals have been executed.
Public outrage over gruesome crimes often fuels support for capital punishment. One such high-profile case was the conviction of Zahir Jaffar for the brutal murder of Noor Mukadam. In July 2021, Noor was brutally beheaded, sparking nationwide outcry. In February 2022, Jaffar was sentenced to death by hanging under Section 302(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and rape. Pakistan’s Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898, mandates hanging as the standard method of execution for capital punishment.
This case intensified debates on judicial efficiency, gender-based violence, and the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent. While some viewed Jaffar’s conviction as a critical step for victims’ rights and legal accountability, human rights groups argued that capital punishment fails to address systemic issues of violence against women. It also underscored concerns about privileged offenders and the importance of ensuring that wealth and influence do not obstruct justice. The case set a precedent for gender-based violence cases in Pakistan, reinforcing the nation’s continued reliance on capital punishment for heinous crimes.
Public Executions in Iran and Afghanistan: A Tool for State Control
Public executions have historically been used as a method of state authority and deterrence. In Iran, the resurgence of public hangings after the 1979 revolution marked a significant shift. The Islamic Republic reinstated capital punishment on an unprecedented scale, with public executions serving as a tool to enforce moral and legal codes. In 2024, Iran witnessed a dramatic surge in executions, with at least 166 people hanged in October alone—the highest monthly figure in over two decades.
Similarly, Afghanistan under Taliban rule has seen a return to public executions. In November 2024, Taliban authorities executed a convicted murderer by gunfire in a sports stadium—the sixth public execution since their return to power in 2021. These acts are often justified under the Islamic concept of retributive justice, or “qisas,” reflecting a strict interpretation of Sharia law.
The Economic Ramifications of Capital Punishment
Beyond moral and ethical considerations, capital punishment carries significant economic implications. Contrary to the belief that executing a prisoner is more cost-effective than long-term incarceration, studies suggest otherwise. The death penalty incurs exorbitant costs due to lengthy trials, and extended appeals. Research shows that local governments often increase property taxes and reduce public safety expenditures to finance capital trials.
In the United States, for example, maintaining the death penalty has led to substantial financial burdens. California has spent over $4 billion to fund only 13 executions since reinstating capital punishment in 1978. Similarly, in Pakistan, a report by the Justice Project Pakistan highlights how death penalty cases often span decades, consuming substantial judicial and administrative resources. These funds could be better allocated to crime prevention strategies such as community policing, education, and rehabilitation programs, which have proven to be more effective in reducing crime rates.
Impact on International Relations and Trade
The use of public executions can also strain a nation’s international relations, affecting trade and economic partnerships. Countries that uphold capital punishment, especially in its most public and archaic forms, often face criticism from the global community, leading to economic consequences such as reduced foreign investment and tourism.
The European Union, for instance, has expressed strong opposition to the death penalty, stating that it violates the right to life and fails to deter crime. Such positions influence trade agreements and economic collaborations, potentially isolating nations that continue these practices. Countries aiming to foster international partnerships must consider the global consensus moving away from capital punishment.
Social Fabric and Public Perception
Public executions also have profound social consequences, instilling a culture of fear and desensitization among citizens. In Iran, the alarming frequency of executions has raised human rights concerns. In January 2025 alone, at least 87 people, including 10 Afghan nationals, were executed in Iranian prisons. These executions disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The United Nations has highlighted that the death penalty is often applied to the poor, who lack adequate legal representation, increasing the likelihood of wrongful convictions. This systemic bias perpetuates cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement, further fraying the social fabric.
A World Bank report suggests that investing in education, vocational training, and mental health services could address the root causes of crime and reduce recidivism rates. In Pakistan, where poverty and illiteracy are significant drivers of criminal activity, such investments could transform social stability and economic growth.
Deterrence: Myth or Reality?
One of the most common arguments for capital punishment is its supposed deterrent effect. However, empirical evidence on this claim remains inconclusive. While some studies suggest that each execution may prevent a certain number of homicides, others find no significant correlation between the death penalty and crime rates.
Re-evaluating Justice in the Modern World
According to Amnesty International, In 2023, the number of countries carrying out executions reached a record low. This trend reflects a growing consensus that capital punishment is neither humane nor effective in administering justice. Prominent figures and organizations have joined the call for abolition. Business leaders such as Richard Branson have condemned the death penalty as a “brutal, inhumane, and outdated” practice that fails to deliver justice or enhance public safety.
As the global community continues to evolve, it is imperative to align justice systems with principles that uphold human dignity, economic prudence, and social cohesion. Moving away from archaic forms of punishment like public hangings is not merely a matter of modernizing legal codes but a necessary step toward a more just and equitable world.
