Case Management & Monitoring System launched for Sindh Prosecution

3 September 2021 – The UNODC has been working closely with the Government of Pakistan to enhance the capacity of its criminal justice institutions through the implementation of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) project in Sindh.

PACT Sindh is a programme designed exclusively for the province in close coordination with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and provincial authorities and supported by the European Union. UNODC has developed evidence-based initiatives under the project to bridge fundamental gaps that exist in the province’s counter terrorism response. In addition to the implementation of many carefully devised activities, the Case Management & Monitoring System (CMMS), launched earlier this month, has tremendous potential to increase the overall capacity to respond effectively to prevent and counter terrorism.

UNODC handed over a software-based solution along with the required equipment to modernise the current processes and IT systems of the Prosecution Department of Sindh for promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the department.

The implementation of CMMS automates complex processes of the department, bringing it at par with global practices. From the assignment of cases to counsels, management of schedules, provision of digital files, tracking of cases, development of performance reports, access to an online library and learning platform, to remote accessibility - the CMMS provides the Prosecution Department with a holistic solution to revolutionise its function and efficiency.

The process of developing this case management tool entailed numerous consultations and a detailed study of governing laws, systems and procedures practised in the Prosecution Department. Successful implementation of the CMMS will improve the department’s overall operational efficiency by reducing costs, minimising delays, and providing the necessary data to make evidence-based decisions. It also provides an accessible platform to anti-terrorism prosecutors to learn and enhance their professional skills. In future, the integration of CMMS with systems of other criminal justice departments such as the police and judiciary will strengthen coordination and promote the flow of information exponentially.

During the launch ceremony of the Case Management and Monitoring System (CMMS), Chief Guest Mr. Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, Senior Puisne Judge, Sindh High Court praised the initiative of introducing technology-based solutions to the criminal justice system. He noted, “This is a valuable innovation that will generate a compounding positive impact that will not be limited to Prosecution Department.” The Guest of Honor, Honorable Justice Maqbool Baqar from Supreme Court of Pakistan, stated, “The introduction of CMMS will bring efficiency, accountability, and transparency in Sindh Government’s prosecution services. It is a valuable innovation that will generate a compounding positive impact with use over time that will not be limited to prosecution department alone.”

Joining the launching ceremony remotely Mr. Asim Ali Khan, Director General, Counter Terrorism Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Prosecution is an important stage within a criminal justice process through which due process is safeguarded and the rights of victims are upheld to ensure oversight, transparency, and accountability. The development of digital platforms like CMMS would provide necessary tools for effective coordination between Police and Prosecution during the investigation and trial of terrorism cases. We hope that CMMS will increase the overall efficiency, help in expediting terrorism cases, and reporting to senior management.”

The European Union’s Counter-Terrorism Counsellor in Pakistan, Mr. François Zablot, reiterated the EU’s firm support in preventing and countering terrorism. He observed that “CMMS was a crucial need of the hour to ensure transparency, accountability and oversight when dealing with anti-terrorism cases. I hope that with effective use of this tool, we are able to enhance the capacity of the prosecution department, leading to successful adjudications.”

While making his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative, Dr. Jeremy Milsom, stated, “I am pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. The CMMS is a prime example of the use of technology to improve and enhance existing processes. CMMS enjoyed tremendous success in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and was a perfect use case for Sindh. We hope to see it become even more successful in Sindh.”

The Prosecutor General of Sindh, Dr. Faiz Shah thanked all the participants who attended this milestone event including Consul Generals, members of the international community, judges and prosecutors, senior police officers, members of civil society, academia and media. He emphasised that CMMS would provide senior policy officials with data to make evidence-based decisions and policies.