ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed on Thursday expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and increasing crime rate in the country and emphasised the need for adopting proactive approach for prevention and detection of crimes.

Speaking at a meeting on the Police Reforms Committee (PRC), the CJP said the high rate of acquittal, poor investigation, non-usage of modern technology, lack of professional skills and non-responsive attitude of police towards the public were the key factors adversely affecting the overall performance of the criminal justice system.

The meeting of the PRC was held at the Supreme Court building to review the implementation status of PRC report and its overall impact on policing across the country.

The CJP said the recommendations should not be taken as academic discussion but needed to be implemented on the ground to improve the service delivery of the police, adding the progress should be reflected in each and every district of the country.

And for improving the standards and quality of policing, efforts should be made for the capacity building of all police officers/officials and prosecutors through special and regular trainings.

The meeting was also attended by Justice Umar Ata Bandial of the Supreme Court, inspector general police (IGPs) from all the four provinces, GB, AJK and former IGP Afzal Ali Shigri (convener), Dr Shoaib Suddle, Tariq Khosa, Fiaz Toru, Director General of National Police Bureau Wajid Zia and others.

The meeting reviewed the implementation status of PRC report and discussed the draft strategy and action plan to implement the recommendations of PRC.

The CJP also asked the IGPs about the initiatives taken in their provinces for improving quality of service, internal accountability, investigation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), use of modern techniques aimed at performance/working of complaint redressal cells and District Assessment Committees (DACs) etc.

Justice Bandial emphasised the need for improving the criminal justice system through proper coordination between the prosecution and the police to make the conviction rate high and that the reasons for acquittal should be redressed.

The investigation needs to be modernised since there is a lack of professional skills in the police department at lower level, Justice Bandial said, adding the use of technology and forensic could improve the conviction rate.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2021