Training Rollout - Terrorism Investigation Course  (Background to Terrorism and Legal Framework)

Islamabad, 9 December 2019 - In continuation of the Terrorism Investigation Course training rollout for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with the financial support of the European Union (EU) has conducted a month-long training initiative - from 11 Nov to 06 Dec 2019 - at the Police School of Investigation, Peshawar. A total of 31 participants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Police and Counter Terrorism Departments, and Islamabad's Capital Territory Police attended the training.

The primary objective of this training was to capacitate the participants with substantial analytical and theoretical knowledge in investigating terrorism incidents and cases, with the support of exclusively developed modules on the subject. With this backdrop, the PACT project organized training on the module of 'Background to Terrorism and Legal Framework' from 11 to 15 November 2019. The training utilised presentations, case studies, and self-assessment questions as tools of learning.

 The first day began with a pre-course assessment to evaluate the level of knowledge of each participant. In order to set the base for the lectures delivered during the training, the participants were then introduced to the fundamentals of types of terrorism; local and internal factors contributing to terrorism; list of proscribed organisations; and details of terror incidents that have struck Pakistan since 2007. The trainer, Sahibzada Sikandar, also spoke on the subjects of Actus Rea and Mens Rea as significant elements in criminal law. Organs of the criminal justice system; stages of investigation; and the role of prosecutors during trials were also highlighted.

The second and third day of the training placed special emphasis on the provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997. Furthermore, the status of ATA as a special law, section 6 ATA, and the procedural aspects of ATA were discussed. Other national and legal frameworks discussed during the week included the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC 1860), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC 1898), Qanoon-e-Shahadat (1989), Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016), Investigation for Fair Trial Act (2013), and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2010). Participants successfully learned the relevant sections of PPC that deal with terrorism investigation including, but not limited to, sections 121, 122, and 34. Attendees also took part in a case scenario based activity to analyze the applicability of PPC and Cr.P.C to the case. The trainers in addition highlighted the role of the police in examining suspects in cases under Code of Criminal Procedure.

On the last day of the training session, the trainers presented on the methodology of terrorism investigation; and elaborated on the significance of maintaining the FIR Register under the Police Rules, and the need to clearly identify the accused.

The training culminated with a lecture on "Arrest and Remand" whereby participants were exposed to legal provisions giving a right to arrest the suspect; meaning of reasonable suspicion under law; and requirements post arrest.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Akhtar Ali Shah, former Inspector General of Police and Secretary Home & Triable Affairs KP,  acknowledged the initiatives taken by the UNODC in collaboration with the European Union and remarked that these sessions are extremely important in the capacity building of our LEAs. Participants also endorsed the sessions to be helpful in enhancing their capacity for conducting effective investigations in counter-terrorism cases in future.