It is always tempting to grab unchallengeable power and to enjoy its use. But power has limits which many of us either do not understand or conveniently ignore - leading to unintended harmful consequences.

In Pakistan, the use of force is generally believed to cure every ill and curtail every crime - a kind of panacea! The story of "violence breeds violence" recurs every now and then despite its devastating impact both on state and society.

This story of violence and unwise use of power begins from home. Our homes have turned into a sort of torture cells. The powerful persons resort to intimidation and physical punishment over petty issues and differences of opinion. Children and women, in particular, find very little or no space to breathe in.

Consequently, children unconsciously learn that the 'only way' to get things done or elicit compliance is to use force. Moral authority and logical persuasion are perceived as signs of weakness and are never........

© The Express Tribune