ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to radically reform thecriminal laws of the country.
Chairing a meeting on reforms in Criminal Justice System of the country inIslamabad on Thursday, the prime minister said it was for the first timethat government was bringing reforms in criminal justice system.
“The implementation of reforms will help to fulfill government’s manifestoof rule of law. Due to the lack of significant changes in the criminalsystem with passage of time, the gap between the rich and the poor in thecountry has widened,” he added.
The meeting was informed that new offenses and provisions have beenproposed in the criminal law, including laws for protection of women suchas Stalking of Women offense.
The meeting was also informed that amendments in Pakistan Penal Code andCriminal Procedure Code are also part of these reforms.
Prime Minister Imran Khan gave a go-ahead to the amendment. Mobile phonefootage, photos, voice recordings and modern devices will be recognised asevidence in lawsuits after the passage of the proposed amendments.
“The government is not bringing an ordinance. The new proposed amendmentswill benefit the common man,” said Federal Law and Justice Minister ForoghNaseem, calling upon the Opposition parties to support the government.
“It was decided to bring a new law of independent prosecution service inthe style of the United States and United Kingdom. An overwhelming changewill take place in the country’s police and judicial system throughrevamping the existing laws.”
Farogh Naseem said that PM Imran Khan has approved the introduction of thenew laws in addition to amending the existing criminal laws.
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In a video statement, the law minister said he briefed PM Khan on amendingmore than 600 points. A graduation degree should be made compulsory to beable to become an SHO across the country, he said.
The federal cabinet will approve these amendments next week, he said. Lateron, these constitutional amendments would be presented in the Parliament.
The law minister further said that in case of non-registration of an FIR,an applicant can approach the SP who would be bound to process theirapplication. Cases will have to be dispensed with within nine months, hesaid, adding that if the concerned judge fails to deliver a verdict withinthe period, they will be answerable to the relevant high court that willkickstart disciplinary action over non-completion of trial.
Farogh Naseem said police stations across the country will receive fundsfrom the government for stationary, transport and other necessary expenses.
The law minister said acting on traditions such as walking on fire orburning cinders to prove innocence will stand as a punishable offence.
He said that in cases of common crimes, a sentence of up to five yearscould be commuted to six months under a plea bargain. However, the optionof a plea bargain will not be available in cases of murder, rape,terrorism, treason and other crimes of serious nature, he pointed out.
If the proposed amendments are adopted, the evidence of mobile phonefootage, photographs, voice recordings or any modern devices will beadmissible in court, he said, adding that concerned tests would befacilitated from the forensic laboratory.
