The kidnapping of the son of the late Punjab governor, Salmaan Taseer, from a busy road in Lahore as he was on his way to his office highlights the rapidity with which the security situation is deteriorating across the country. Shahbaz Taseer was abducted, as his driver looked on helplessly, by four armed men who reportedly bundled him into a Land Cruiser and fled the scene. The police say it is too early to comment on the motives behind the kidnapping. It is widely known that the Taseer family had been receiving threats since the murder early this year of the former governor by his own police guard; the latter was apparently incensed by Taseer’s comments regarding the country’s blasphemy laws and their alleged misuse. Hearings in the case continue. There are fears that the same forces that hailed Taseer’s killer as a hero may have a hand in the most recent abduction. There is a lack of clarity as to whether the Taseer family had been given police protection, though it is understood that the guards provided by the state may have been withdrawn some days ago. Police investigators are also examining the possibility that disputes over the Taseer family’s extensive business interests may have motivated the kidnapping which appeared well-planned and expertly executed by elements that seemed familiar with Shahbaz’s movements. The prime minister has contacted the family, and ordered the police to do everything possible to find the culprits. It is only right that every effort be made to ensure the recovery of the victim. However, PM Gilani would do well to also examine the overall law and order situation in the country. It has been deteriorating rapidly in all our major cities for some time. It is these factors that lead to crimes such as the one committed against Shahbaz Taseer. It is too early to say who kidnapped him and why. We hope the police will succeed in tracking down those involved. But we must also find ways to crack down on crime at large. This effort should include an examination of police performance and technical capacity as well as an effort to improve upon these areas where necessary. At the same time, we need also to examine growing intolerance in the country and prevent a still greater descent into anarchy than the one we are seeing right now.