Model trial courts to hear criminal cases from today

Monitoring cell to ensure quick dispensation of justice

RAWALPINDI: In line with the vision of the Supreme Court, model criminal trial courts (MCTC) will start working in 114 districts of the country from today (Monday) for expeditious dispensation of justice.

The courts, which were constituted last week, will hear cases related to murder and narcotics. In the first phase, they will hear old cases.

A cell has also been set up to monitor and evaluate the performance of the model courts, which will be headed by Islamabad district and sessions judge Sohail Nasir. According to a notification, the judge heading the monitoring cell will not be entitled to draw any salary, allowance, perks and privileges from the Supreme Court.

A summary on the initiative was prepared by the federal judicial academy and it was recently approved by the national judicial policy-making committee, headed by the chief justice.

Under the plan, the high court will nominate one judge for MCTC in each district in consultation with the district and sessions judge concerned. Each MCTC will be manned by an additional sessions judge.



The responsibility of presenting witnesses in the court has been handed over to the police. The facility of recording online statements is available in all these courts, with courts provided large screens, computer and internet services. Closed-circuit television cameras have been installed on its premises and additional infantry deployed as part of security measures.

Judges have also been provided extra security, with the courts given the mandate to ensure that cases are not delayed. Each case will be dealt within three days.

To assess the performance of these courts and for the provision of expeditious justice, the National Judicial Council has been summoned on the April 13, which will be attended by the chief justices of all the provinces and judges of the subordinate courts.