Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the criminal law reforms to ensure speedy justice to the general public.
Prime Minister addressed the launch of Criminal Law and Justice Reforms. He said the Criminal law reforms will bring revolution in the criminal justice system. He said it will simplify the procedure for the common man in a way to justice.
“It is the first time in Pakistan that any government is making changes in British rule law. It will bring a huge improvement to the dispensation of justice.“
Premier said no past government has ever thought about reforming the century-old laws. He also said that it was because every government was trying to maintain the status quo and accommodate the elite.
“PM said the civil law reforms are a step towards rule of law. It is in line with Islam’s first socio-welfare State of Medina.“
Moreover, He quoted a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that emphasized the same justice for rich and poor. As the separate laws for the powerful and the weak destroyed many earlier nations.
“Furthermore, Imran Khan said rule of law in the country will also encourage foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan.“
Federal Law Minister Barrister Farogh Naseem said the criminal procedure code needed a change as per requirements and mentioned that over 700 amendments had completely overhauled the existing legal system. here are some key points from the criminal law reforms:
Moreover, Federal Law Minister urged the lawyers to support the reform of electronic recording of witnesses, whether in any language, to ensure accuracy and expedition of cases.
What are criminal law reforms?
Evidence Reforms:
- The government formed a statute of an independent prosecution service, forensic laboratory, and prison rules were significant reforms.
- The reforms allow the use of forensics and electronically recording the evidence.
- Personal offenses (murder or rape): Any authentic video is admissible as an evidence.
Police Reforms:
- Police budget will trickle down to police stations. In case it does not happen, state will carry out an audit to take the necessary action.
- Only a sub inspector with preferable education of B.A. can be made SHO in police stations.
Court Reforms:
- The maker of the video will not be made mandatory to appear before the law to render witness as proof of the incident.
- The reforms also ensure attendance and protection of witnesses.
Prosecution service
- Moreover, to ensure transparency in conviction, the amendments also envisage an independent prosecution service.
Plea Bargain
- Furthermore, The reforms also include a whole concept of plea bargain.
- The cases of criminals involved in small, petty crimes can get their cases thrown by taking plea bargain.
- While criminals with life-sentence, death penality, 7+ years sentence, or who did with crime against women and children cannot take plea bargain.
FIR
- Also, Wrong FIR will result in fine of 5 lac rupees.
- SP will have the right to appeal if rightfull FIR does not get inducted.
He emphasized the implementation of civil law reforms with an effective role of the judiciary, benches, prosecutors, and investigators.
Parliamentary Secretary Maleeka Bokhari said over 700 amendments made in the criminal procedure code were a milestone of the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and would ensure prompt delivery of justice.
She said for decades, powerful people took advantage of the loopholes in the law, however, the reforms would provide support to the poor seeking justice.
