Historic Reforms in Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code Approved by Cabinet
Islamabad:The Ministry of Law and Justice has announced significant reforms to the **Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) of 1898**, marking a historic step toward modernizing Pakistan’s judicial system. Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator **Azam Nazeer Tarar**, introduced these wide-ranging reforms, aimed at aligning Pakistan’s criminal justice system with international standards. The proposed amendments were presented to the **Federal Cabinet** on Tuesday and were unanimously approved.
These reforms come after extensive consultations with legal experts, including prominent lawyers, bar councils, prosecutors, and judges. The changes are intended to address the long-standing need for updates to the colonial-era code, which was originally drafted during British rule, in order to meet the demands of contemporary society.
### Key Features of the Proposed Reforms:
1. **Electronic FIR Filing**: The new reforms introduce the option for filing **First Information Reports (FIRs)** electronically. This move is expected to streamline the reporting process and speed up the initial investigation.
2. **Gender-Sensitive Arrest Protocols**: In a move to enhance dignity and security, the amendments stipulate that only female police officers will be allowed to arrest women, ensuring greater protection and respect for women’s rights during the enforcement of the law.
3. **Use of Audio-Visual Recordings in Investigations**: The reforms aim to improve the accuracy and credibility of evidence by allowing the use of **audio-visual recordings** in criminal investigations. This will help ensure the integrity of the process and prevent manipulation of evidence.
4. **Empowering Prosecutors**: Prosecutors will now have the authority to point out deficiencies in police reports and can suspend investigations if insufficient evidence is found. This will ensure that weak or incomplete cases are not pursued, leading to more efficient legal proceedings.
5. **Faster Trials and Timelines for Case Resolution**: The proposed changes include setting **specific timelines** for trials and appeals to expedite the judicial process. This will help reduce the backlog of cases and improve the efficiency of the legal system.
6. **Enhanced Transparency and Accountability**: These reforms aim to strengthen the accountability of law enforcement agencies and judicial bodies, promoting transparency and fair practice within the criminal justice system.
The Ministry of Law and Justice has emphasized that these reforms are designed not only to expedite justice but also to enhance the transparency and accountability of law enforcement agencies. The government believes that modernizing the criminal justice system will strengthen the rule of law in Pakistan and better protect the rights of its citizens.
Following the Cabinet’s approval, the proposed amendments will be presented to **Parliament** for discussion and legislative approval. Once passed, these reforms are expected to significantly improve Pakistan’s criminal justice framework, aligning it with global standards and enhancing public confidence in the legal system.
