February 23: In a robust dialogue with media
persons and journalists, a panel of experts urged the media to be more proactive
in raising its voice for institutionalising Rule of Law reforms in Pakistan.
In the dialogue organised by PILDAT, its Rule
of Law (RoL) Committee of Experts highlighted key issues and proposed reforms
to strengthen Rule of Law and access to justice in Pakistan. Prominent media
persons, Parliamentarians, experts and youth representatives joined the lively
discussion.
Speaking at the session, Mian Mahmud
ur Rasheed, MPA, (PP 151, Lahore-XV, Punjab, PTI), Leader of opposition
in Punjab Assembly said that mind-set, especially of elite class, should be
changed for reforming Rule of Law in the country. Budget of police have been
increased in Punjab but Thana culture could not change as yet. He said empowering
the institutions is important for improving rule of law situation in province.
The panel speakers observed that media’s
objective role and support are critical for bringing about much needed Rule
of Law reforms in Pakistan. Key issues facing the country, such as terrorism,
corruption, sluggish economic growth, flight of talent and capital, dysfunctional
justice system etc., are all manifestations of weak and ad hoc Rule of Law implementation.
During the dialogue, the Committee of Experts
also shared with the media a proposed Reform Agenda. The agenda has been prepared
through countrywide consultations held by PILDAT since August 2015 with public
representatives, subject experts, legal practitioners and journalists to discuss
specific ways and means for strengthening of Police, Prosecution Services, and
Free Legal Aid system in Pakistan.
The discussion focused on how the media can
make political executive, police, lawyers, prosecutors and other relevant authorities
responsive and accountable to their roles to ensure access to justice. Experts
also shared international experiences from India and the U.K. on how the local
media collaborated with civil society to generate awareness and successfully
moved local authorities to provide community justice.
Participants also discussed the fast elapsing
timeline for instituting Rule of Law reforms in the context of the 2-year sunset
clause placed under the 21st amendment to the Constitution. They reiterated
that Rule of Law is established when the most powerful submit before the law
— no body is above the law.
Speakers also endorsed the need for training
and encouraged journalists to use the Right to Information law frequently and
to continuously play their watchdog role. They agreed that media should report
on and advocate for the need of an effective criminal justice system. They also
lauded PILDAT’s efforts for building their awareness on Rule of Law.
The PILDAT Committee of Experts who spoke at
the Briefing included Dr. Shoaib Suddle, Former IG Police;
and Dr. Suhail Shahzad, Dean, Faculty of Law & Administrative
Sciences, Hazara University. The other speakers include Mr. Abid Saqi,
Member Pakistan Bar Council, Mr. Mujib ur Rehman Shami, Editor
in Chief Daily Pakistan and Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Senior Anchor.
President PILDAT, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob,
stressed that media should be an ally in strengthening a RoL movement in Pakistan
in genuine public interest.
Key points of the Rule of Law Reform Agenda shared with the media and other
civil society actors include:
- Allocation of funds and increase in budget for Police;
- Amendment in Section 154 of Code of Criminal Procedure
1898;
- FIRs to be made simple, online and computerised;
- No arrest to be made after FIR without evidence;
- Protection of witnesses through enactment of relevant laws
to prevent resiling testimony from witnesses;
- Establishment of Legal Aid Authority at Federal and Provincial
level; and
- Enactment of Public Defenders & Legal Aid Office Ordinance
2007.
The Briefing Session was organised by PILDAT
as part of Reforms in Rule of Law in Pakistan project,
supported by Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) under the Enhanced Democratic
Accountability and Civic Engagement (EDACE) project.
For Further Information:
Email: info@pildat.org
Mobile: +92 334 4548452
Twitter: @RoLPakistan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuleOfLaw.pk
Website: https://www.pildat.org