Govt changing British-era laws: PM Imran

Says civil law reforms a step towards ensuring rule of law in line with State of Madina

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said effective dispensation of justice was the state's responsibility and for the first time in the country's history, the government was making changes to British-era laws.

“The government’s reforms in the civil and criminal procedure code will ensure speedy justice,” Premier Imran said while addressing an event on Criminal Law and Justice Reforms

The prime minister said the massive amendments would help bring revolution in the criminal judicial system and simplify procedure for the common man to receive justice.

PM Imran said no government in the past ever thought about reforming the century-old laws in order to maintain status quo and accommodate the elite, adding that the civil law reforms were a step towards ensuring rule of law in line with Islam's first socio-welfare State of Madina.

He quoted a hadith of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), emphasising that many earlier nations were destroyed because there were separate laws for the powerful and the weak.

“Ensuring rule of law will encourage foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis to invest their money in Pakistan.”

Read: Govt ended corruption as promised: PM Imran

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.

He mentioned that formation of a statute of an independent prosecution service, forensic laboratory and prison rules were significant reforms.

He said law was made mandatory for dispensation of budget to the police station to meet the expenses of investigation, besides deputing sub inspectors at police stations with bachelor’s degree.

“The trial judge will be made answerable before the high court for not finalising the case in nine months,” he said, adding that the court could freeze any documents including identity card, bank accounts etc of an absconder.

He urged the lawyers to support the reform of electronic recording of witness, whether in any language, to ensure accuracy and expedition of cases.

“In cases of personal offences including murder or rape, it will not be mandatory for the maker of the video to appear before the law as a witness to the incident.”

He emphasised implementation of civil law reforms with an effective role of judiciary, benches, prosecutors and investigators.

Parliamentary Secretary Maleeka Bokahri said over 700 amendments made in the criminal procedure code was a milestone of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and would ensure prompt delivery of justice.

“For decades, powerful people took advantage of the loopholes in law, however, the reforms will provide support to the poor seeking justice.”

(With input from APP)