In a massive achievement, the PTI government made over seven hundred amendments in Pakistan’s criminal justice system. The federal government made amendments in the laws related to the criminal justice system, policing, and collection of evidence.
Important to note, this is the first time in Pakistan’s history that the country’s justice system will undergo a major overhaul. Addressing an event on Criminal Law and Justice Reforms, PM Khan said the massive amendments would help bring revolution in the criminal justice system and simplify the procedure for the common man.
PM Khan said no government in the past ever thought about reforming the century-old laws in order to maintain status quo and accommodate the elite.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem and Parliamentary Secretary of Law and Justice Maleeka Ali Bokhari also gave briefings on the legal reforms.
Read more: Rethinking the criminal justice system in Pakistan
Maleeka Bokahri said over 700 amendments made in the criminal procedure code was a milestone of the PTI government. The reforms will ensure prompt delivery of justice.
700 plus amendments in Pakistan's Criminal Justice System! Many long hours & hard work. Today marks fulfilment of PTIs key manifesto commitment. We are on the path to creation of a criminal justice system that works for the common man of Pakistan. Pakistan zindabad! pic.twitter.com/cLfLq8uEmK
— Maleeka Ali Bokhari (@MalBokhari) January 27, 2022
Meanwhile, Minister Barrister Farogh Naseem said criminal procedure code needed a change as per requirements.
Furthermore, he emphasized implementation of civil law reforms with an effective role of judiciary, benches and prosecutors and investigators.
PTI govt’s amendments for the criminal justice system
According to details, for speedy justice, criminal cases will be disposed off in less than a year. This is a major improvement since cases would usually go on for years. Now, courts will make trial decisions within a maximum of 9 months. Whereas courts will take decisions for appeals within a maximum of 6 months.
Thread on #فوری_اور_یکساں_انصاف amendments: https://t.co/GjYsmL7z9C
— Azhar Mashwani (official) (@AzharMashwaniPk) January 27, 2022
In case of a wrong First Information Report (FIR), authorities will issue a fine up to Rs 5 lakhs. Furthermore, all witnesses will record their statements on videos. Farogh Naseem urged the lawyers to support the reform of electronic recording of witness, whether in any language. This will ensure accuracy and expedition of cases.
In cases of personal offences including murder or rape, the maker of the video will not be made mandatory to appear before law to render witness as proof of incident, he said.
Read more: The best way to reform Pakistan’s criminal justice system