Cabinet green-lights criminal law tweaks

Cabinet also approves inclusion of oath regarding finality of Prophethood (peace be upon him) in marriage certificate

ISLAMABAD:

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday on the recommendation of law ministry approved the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2024, aimed at sweeping reforms in the British-era Criminal Procedure Code to make the law in conformity with the requirement of the present-day society.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Shairf, also approved the inclusion of the oath regarding finality of the Prophethood (peace be upon him) in the marriage certificate within the limits of Islamabad, and the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework 2024.

Addressing the cabinet, Shehbaz directed the health and interior ministries, as well as the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to take immediate steps regarding mitigating the shortage of medicines in Parachinar town of the Kurram district.

Under the amendments in the CrPC, audio-video statements of the witnesses could be recorded. Moreover, women below 12 years and men above 70 years, physically and mentally disabled persons could record the statement at their own convenient places, according to a Radio Pakistan report.

Furthermore, according to the bill, the trial court would decide the case within one year and in case of delay, the concerned high court would be made answerable. Similarly, the appellate court would be bound to give its verdict within six months to one year on any appeal, the report added.

Separately, a press release issued by the law ministry, termed the amendments proposals "a landmark move to modernise Pakistan's judicial framework" and "a significant step in aligning Pakistan's criminal justice system with international standards".

The amendment sought to streamline FIR registration with options for electronic submissions and preliminary inquiries, ensuring faster and clearer processes; while only female officers could arrest women, with a view to enhancing their respect and security in the enforcement actions.

Furthermore, the press release said, modern investigative tools, including audio-video recordings, were advocated to enhance evidence accuracy. The reforms also empowered prosecutors to identify flaws in police reports and could suspend investigations if evidence was lacking.

The CrPC, initially established during the British era, has long required updates to better serve the needs of the present-day society. "New provisions are set to accelerate trials and appeals, establishing definite timelines for case resolutions, thereby reducing court burdens and speeding up justice delivery."

"By incorporating modern technology and refining procedural laws, Pakistan takes a significant leap forward in its mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of its citizens," the law ministry stated in its press release.

The cabinet was informed about 100% implementation of the e-office project in 18 divisions. It was further informed that if the e-office was implemented in letter and spirit, it could save up to Rs230 million in terms of stationery and petrol.

The cabinet also approved the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework 2024, establishment of Intellectual Property Tribunal in Quetta, and the amendments to Form EL-01 of the Explosives Rules, regarding licences for the manufacture of high density explosives.

On the recommendations of the Religious Affairs Ministry the Cabinet approved the inclusion of the clause of oath regarding finality of the Prophethood (PBUH) in the marriage certificate within the limits of Islamabad Capital Territory.

The cabinet meeting began with the recitation of Fateha for the eternal peace of Siddiqul Farooq and a policeman, martyred in Karak during a terrorist attack on polio team. In his address, Shehbaz regretted that Pakistan still faced obstacles in becoming a polio-free country.

Shehbaz said that the interest rate cut by the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) would stimulate economic growth. "Taking advantage of the good news on economic front, we should first promote domestic investment, as a result the foreign investment will automatically come to the country," he said.

The prime minister noted that the policy rate had been reduced by 2% to 13%. He described this as a "welcoming sign" for the economy, expressing optimism that it would encourage investment and stimulate growth.

(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)