Sindh sets up panel to scrutinise criminal case challans

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has constituted a special sub-committee to review and scrutinise challans in criminal cases, aiming to improve the quality and legal robustness of prosecution submissions before trial proceedings begin. The formal notification for the committee's formation was issued by the Sindh Law Department on Sunday.

According to the notification, the 10-member committee will be headed by DIG Crime and Investigation Sindh Amir Farooqui. It includes DIG West Irfan Baloch, AIG Legal Ali Sher Jakhrani, Director Legal Anti-Corruption Muhammad Ashraf Soomro, and the Director General of the Narcotics Wing.

The committee also comprises representatives from the Excise Department and senior officials from the Prosecution Department, ensuring cross-departmental coordination between law enforcement and legal prosecution bodies.

Officials said the committee will devise a structured mechanism and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the pre-trial scrutiny of challans submitted in criminal cases. The initiative is intended to strengthen case preparation and reduce legal and administrative shortcomings that often hinder prosecution.

The body will also identify procedural and administrative bottlenecks in criminal cases and submit recommendations and reports to improve overall efficiency in the criminal justice process.

The formation of the committee is part of broader efforts to enhance coordination among police, anti-corruption, excise and prosecution departments and ensure better case management at the pre-trial stage.