UNODC promotes cooperation within the criminal justice system through the Pakistan Prosecution Forum

27 November 2020 - Islamabad, Pakistan: In August 2020 the secretariat and support function for Pakistan Prosecution Forum (PPF) was officially handed over to the UNODC Country Office in Pakistan by the CAPRI Programme supported by the British High Commission (BHC). The PPF was formed in 2018 as a premier level of informal forum comprising the senior leadership from Prosecution, representative of all the provinces of Pakistan. It aims to promote reforms that benefit not only the prosecution but the entire chain of institutions within the criminal justice system in Pakistan. A few of the examples to cite the seminal work of the PPF include reform proposals of specific provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code 1898, a review and analysis of the respective Prosecution Acts and the drafting of Codes of Conduct in each of the Provinces. 

On 27 November 2020, UNODC was delighted to host the 9th PPF in Islamabad – the first time under its auspices. Despite COVID challenges, the PPF met in person as well as connecting stakeholders remotely through an interactive hybrid model of engagement, which was very pleasing to attend by all. The main item on the agenda was the important issue of enhancing Police-Prosecution Coordination mechanisms. 

The PPF operates through a rotational practice of appointing its Chair, which is currently enjoyed by the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All the logistics were excellently arranged and COVID safety measures were in place and observed. The workshop room was adequately sanitized with sufficient space for participants to socially distance themselves, while observing COVID protocols. 

The PPF was hosted through a detailed and meaningful debate to address key aspects within its mandate through decisions made by the Senior Prosecution Leadership. The members resolved and decided that Police-Prosecution coordination mechanisms framework should be developed in consultation with the police and implemented across the provinces to improve police-prosecution practices and processes to deliver a better justice to citizens. A joint workshop to this end will be organised with the police in early February 2021 with the objective to iron out the details and concrete proposals for the provinces with consideration of local nuances to adapt to the provincial requirements. 

Representatives from Prosecution and Police Departments of the individual provinces will be invited to participate through a joint event. The efforts will go a long way to seamlessly connect key institutions of the Criminal Justice Sector to enhance their efficiency and performance to enable effective delivery of justice for the citizens. 

 

 

Pakistan Prosecution Forum is generously supported by the British High Commission, Rule of Law Programme.