Promoting effective prosecution and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement and prosecution

 

 

27 August, Islamabad - Since 2011, the United Nations Officie of Drugs and Crime, Country Office Pakistan (UNODC) has been imparting training to police and prosecutors in an effort to improve the cooperation between them as they undertake their respective roles leading to prosecution.  As part of this continuing effort, UNODC in conjunction with Sindh Criminal Prosecution Service convened a roundtable,   "Promoting Effective Prosecution and enhancing cooperation between law enforcement and prosecution".  The Roundtable featured a discussion panel comprising of Mr.  Saleem Akhtar Panjani, Additional Prosecutor General - Sindh, Mr. Muhammad Shahid Shafiq, District and Session Judge,Mr. Ali Sher, Assistant Inspector General Police (Legal) - Sindh and Ms. Amna Khanam, Defense Attorney.

The roundtable discussion examined the  following: :

  • An overview of the law on prosecution
  • Improving cooperation between law enforcement and prosecution in criminal matters
  • The role of judges and defense attorneys 
  • Barriers to cooperation between law enforcement and prosecution

Also attending and participating in the roundtable were police and prosecution officials from Federal law enforcement agencies in addition to Punjab, Balochistan and Kyber Pakhtunwha provinces.  Representatives from the international community were also present.  Mr. Karim Agha, Prosecutor General, National Accountability Bureau provide t he keynote address, "legal Frameworks and Benefits of Cooperation between Prosecution and Law Enforcement."  The ensuing dialogue examined many of the challenges to cooperation, suggested solutions and the way forward.  Participants noted the impact that a lack of cooperation has had on the rates of convictions, defendants languishing in prisons awaiting trial and a deterioration of confidence in the criminal justice system. There was consensus of a need for this forum to bring together policymakers from police and prosecution departments to continue seeking solutions to this critical issue.