Controversial move: ‘Prosecution bill doesn’t undermine courts’ authority’

Chandio claims new law to improve public prosecution system.

HYDERABAD: Sindh's information adviser Moula Bux Chandio has termed criticism over the bill empowering public prosecutors to withdraw terror cases during trial as uncalled for. In a press statement issued on Sunday, Chandio said political opponents are spreading propaganda to disparage the prosecution bill, which has been brought to "strengthen the prosecution".

"The bill in no way intervenes in the authority of the courts. Only the courts will decide the fate of any case, as is practice," he asserted. Amid uproar in the provincial assembly, the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party passed the Sindh Criminal Prosecution Service (Constitution, Function and Powers) Amendment Bill, 2015, on January 15.



Chandio referred to the meetings of the apex committee, which, according to him, always underlined the need of improving the public prosecution system. "The bill has been passed keeping in view the decisions and recommendations of the apex committee," he claimed.

The law not only allows public attorneys to withdraw a criminal case after the court's consent but also empowers prosecutors to seek investigation reports from law enforcement agencies like the Rangers. Critics view it as another attempt to undermine the Rangers investigation against former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain who was arrested on charges of financing and abetting terrorists.

"The prosecution bill has been introduced to provide relief to Dr Asim," claimed Rashid Mehmood Soomro, Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's provincial head, during a press conference at the Media Centre Matiari on Sunday. "The home secretary is already procrastinating to give as much favour as possible to Dr Asim," he alleged.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2016.