ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the Criminal Procedure (Code of Criminal Procedure) Amendment Bill 2024, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Law and Justice.
The approval was granted during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House.
According to a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing, several significant decisions were made during the meeting.
Key Features of the CrPC Amendment Bill 2024
The proposed amendments to the CrPC aim to modernize and streamline the criminal justice process. Key provisions include:
- Simplifying the Registration of FIRs: The process will be made more efficient to reduce procedural delays.
- Integration of Technology in Investigations: Investigations will incorporate advanced forensic techniques and audio-video recording of witness statements.
- Strengthening the Prosecutor’s Role: Prosecutors will have the authority to identify deficiencies in police reports to improve the quality of investigations.
- Special Provisions for Vulnerable Groups: Women, children under 12 years old, men over 70 years old, and individuals with physical or mental disabilities will be allowed to record their statements at a location of their choice.
- Timely Verdicts and Appeals: Trial courts will be required to deliver verdicts within one year, with the relevant High Court held accountable for delays. Appeals must be decided within six months to one year.
- Bail Entitlement: If a police investigation concludes the accused is innocent and submits a discharge report, the accused will be entitled to bail.
Progress on E-Office Implementation
The Ministry of Information Technology reported that e-office systems had been fully implemented in 18 federal government divisions, marking a major milestone in transitioning towards a paperless government. The ministry estimated potential savings of up to 230 million rupees annually in stationery and fuel costs if the e-office system is implemented across all divisions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima and the IT Ministry officials for their efforts. He also appreciated the performance of ministers and secretaries in divisions that successfully implemented e-office systems.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
- National Registration and Biometrics Policy Framework 2024: The cabinet approved the framework on the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior.
- Establishment of Intellectual Property Tribunal in Quetta: This decision was approved based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice.
- United Nations Convention on Arbitration Agreements: The cabinet approved signing the UN Convention on International Settlement Agreements resulting from arbitration, dated December 20, 2018.
- Dismissal Appeal Rejected: The cabinet dismissed an appeal by Arbab Ans, HR Manager of Karachi Port Trust, challenging his termination.
- Explosives Rules 2010 Amendments: Amendments to Form EL-01, concerning licenses for high-density explosive materials, were approved on the recommendation of the Ministry of Petroleum.
- Transfer of Kohistan Districts to HEPCO: The cabinet approved transferring Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, and Kolai Pallas Kohistan districts from PESCO to Hazara Electric Power Company (HEPCO).
- Marriage Certificate Amendments: A section regarding the oath of Finality of Prophethood was added to marriage certificates within the Islamabad Capital Territory, as recommended by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Reports Presented
The Cabinet Secretariat presented reports on the implementation of Principles of Policy for federal affairs for 2021-22 and 2022-23. Additionally, the Cabinet Division submitted three years of reports on the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), which will now be forwarded to the Council of Common Interests for review.
These developments underscore the federal government’s commitment to improving governance, expediting justice, and adopting technology to enhance administrative efficiency.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
