Govt to bring reforms in criminal justice system: PM Imran

ISLAMABAD – For the first time in the country’s history, the current government is reforming the criminal justice system to implement its manifesto for the rule of law, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday.

Presiding over a meeting on reforming the criminal justice system, the Prime Minister said that the absence of required amendments in the criminal justice system has widened the gap between rich and poor.

The meeting participants were informed that the unanimous decision has been taken after consultation with all the stakeholders and in addition the best practices for global popularity have been considered.

The reformed system would comprise the digitalization of First Information Report (FIR), trial and appeal methods, evidence collection using electronic and digital tools, amendment in plea bargain method, and utilization of video as evidence.

It was told that new clauses dealing with the new crimes like stalking of women offence had also been included in the new law for women protection. The amendments in PPC and CrPC are also part of the same refroms.

The bill on the proposed amendments would soon be tabled in the parliament which, after passage, would not only prevent crimes but also provide for action against the elements who could not be apprehended in absence of the required legal amendments in accordance with the modern-day needs.

Briefing on the amendment of more than 600 points, Law Minister Forough Naseem said that it was proposed to make the degree of sub-inspector and graduation compulsory for SHOs across the country. Failure to register FIR will result in application to SP.