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Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NJPMC sets timelines for case disposal
The National Judicial Policy-Making Committee (NJPMC) has approved uniform timelines for the disposal of various categories of civil and criminal cases under a new regime aimed at ensuring speedy justice and reducing case backlogs. The 54th meeting of the NJPMCconvened on Monday at the Supreme Court of Pakistan under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridideliberated on key policy issues, while reviewing implementation status of the decisions taken in its 53rd meeting. The meeting was attended by the chief justices of all the high courts, while Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan attended on special invitation. According to a detailed press release issued after the meeting, the committee, while acknowledging "the commendable efforts" made by the high courts, laid down specific deadlines for case disposal, ranging from two months to two years depending on the nature of the dispute. The forum also endorsed the introduction of a double-docket court regime to expedite hearings and strengthen judicial efficiency. According to the prescribed timelines declaratory suits relating to land disputes are to be decided within 24 months, while inheritance disputes must be resolved in 12 months. Injunction suits on land disputes should conclude within six months. Recovery suits dealing with public revenue or money matters must be finalized in 12 months, whereas specific performance suits (contract enforcement) should be disposed of within 18 months. Rent cases are required to be completed in six months while family suitsincluding matters of dissolution, dower, maintenance, and guardianshipmust also be decided in six months. Succession cases (uncontested) are to be wrapped up within two months. The committee further prescribed timelines for the disposal of execution petitions. It decided that family court decrees will be decided in six months; banking court decrees in 12 months; civil court decrees in 12 months while rent matters will be decided in three months. On the criminal side, cases involving juvenile offenders under the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018 will be decided in six months; trials carrying punishment of up to seven years will be concluded in 12 months while trials carrying punishment of more than seven years will be wrapped up in 18 months. The NJPMC has given 24 monthstwo yearsto trial courts to decide murder trials. "These timelines would be considered as one of the Key Performance Indicators in Judges Performance Evaluation and would be in-built at the dashboard," the statement added. By setting these uniform deadlines, the NJMPC aims to bring consistency to the judicial process and address long-standing concerns over delays in case disposal. Officials said the move reflects the judiciary's commitment to strengthening the rule of law and enhancing public trust in the justice system. The NJPMC also unanimously reiterated the need for a comprehensive mechanism for ensuring production of any detained person before the magistrate within 24 hours in order to curb instances of enforced disappearances. The committee unanimously reiterated its resolve to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate access to justice, and ensure efficient and effective justice delivery. It also emphasized the need for a comprehensive mechanism for ensuring production of detained persons before a magistrate within 24 hours. The AGP assured that such a mechanism would be developed and placed before the committee in its next meeting. The committee also commended the high courts for formulating standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safeguard judicial independence but emphasized the inclusion of stage-wise timelines from complaint filing to final action. It was decided that all such instances of extraneous influence shall be reported within 24 hours and action thereon shall be finalised within 14 days. The SOPs should also provide for immediate redressal measures to safeguard the dignity of the complainant judge. Additionally, a reporting mechanism to the CJP was desired for information and intervention, where necessary. The high courts shall notify the SOPs and share the same with the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP). The committee appreciated the substantial progress achieved by the high courts in strengthening the commercial litigation framework, acknowledging the CLC initiative as a major step toward fostering a robust and efficient commercial litigation framework. To address the problem of protracted litigation and injunctive orders in commercial, revenue, and fiscal cases, a committee was formed to draft recommendations. The committee led by Supreme Court judge Shafi Siddiqui, includes Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh of the Lahore High Court, Justice Agha Faisal, of the Sindh High Court, Justice Arshad Ali of the Peshawar High Court, the AGP and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman. "The committee shall also examine the suggestion of the AGP in respect of issues arising out of Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards and place its recommendations in the next meeting," the statement said. The NJPMC expressed its appreciation for the progress made by the SHC and the PHC in establishing model criminal trial courts. It noted that these efforts would significantly contribute to enhancing access to justice and ensure its effective and timely delivery. It was further observed that such initiatives reflect strong institutional commitment to continuous improvement for making the justice system citizen-centric. The forum, while appreciating the efforts made by the LHC in establishing model civil courts, decided that the high courts may pilot the initiative for oldest civil cases in chronological order. "The high courts may determine the number of model civil courts in each district keeping in view the number of target cases. The district and session judges may assign such cases to model civil courts under a time bound trial regime," it added. The committee also deliberated on jail reforms and resolved to share the reports of Provincial Sub-Committees and the Prison Reform Action Plan with the high courts for input. A National Prison Policy will be formulated and placed before the next meeting.
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First Post
03-08-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Pakistan: 7-year-old Baloch boy charged with terrorism for uploading video on YouTube
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) fiercely criticised the move, labelling it a 'grave violation of human rights' and a glaring misuse of anti-terrorism laws. read more In a shocking case that sparked widespread outrage, the Pakistani authorities registered a case of terrorism against a seven-year-old boy in Balochistan, the restive region riddled with an independence movement. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) fiercely criticised the development, labelling it a 'grave violation of human rights' and a glaring misuse of anti-terrorism laws. The development, from Turbat, has raised serious concerns about the state's handling of child rights and its legal obligations under national and international frameworks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the HRCP, the young boy was charged under terrorism clauses after uploading a YouTube video that featured a speech by human rights activist Gulzar Dost. 'In Turbat, Balochistan, registering an FIR under terrorism clauses against a 7-year-old minor is highly condemnable and a severe violation of human rights. This step is not only contrary to the spirit of the law but also a blatant violation of national and international obligations regarding the protection of children,' the HRCP stated. The organisation described the act of labelling the mere sharing of a video as terrorism as a stark example of the 'unbalanced use of power.' The HRCP has called for immediate action to address this alarming situation. It demanded the cancellation of what it called a 'baseless FIR,' along with protection for the child and his family from any form of harassment. Additionally, the commission urged authorities to provide training to law enforcement agencies on children's rights and to ensure the strict enforcement of child protection laws in cases involving minors. The rights body also appealed directly to the Government of Balochistan, the Ministry of Human Rights, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Commission for Human Rights, pressing them to take swift notice of the case and intervene. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This incident is not an isolated one. Just days earlier, on Wednesday, the HRCP raised alarm over the ongoing prosecution of other underage children under anti-terrorism laws in Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC). The commission expressed deep concern that, despite clear evidence of their minor status, these children continue to face trials in the ATC, a practice it deems both 'deeply troubling and incomprehensible.' 'It is deeply troubling and incomprehensible that, despite clear evidence of being minors, these children are being tried under anti-terrorism laws. Such judicial proceedings not only violate the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, of Pakistan, but also trample upon the fundamental human rights and constitutional protections afforded to children,' the HRCP stated. The organisation has called for an immediate halt to these trials and the transfer of such cases to Juvenile Courts, which are better equipped to handle cases involving minors in accordance with the law.
Hans India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pakistan rights body condemns terror charges against 7-year-old boy in Balochistan
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned the registration of terrorism charges against a seven-year-old boy in Balochistan, calling the move a 'grave violation of human rights' and a disturbing reflection of the misuse of anti-terror laws in the country. 'In Turbat, Balochistan, registering an FIR under terrorism clauses against a 7-year-old minor is highly condemnable and a severe violation of human rights. This step is not only contrary to the spirit of the law but also a blatant violation of national and international obligations regarding the protection of children,' read a statement issued by the HRCP. 'This incident occurred when an innocent child uploaded a video on YouTube that included a speech by human rights activist Gulzar Dost. Labeling the mere sharing of a video as terrorism is an example of the unbalanced use of state power,' the statement added. The human rights body demanded immediate cancellation of this baseless FIR, protection of the child and his family from harassment, and training to law enforcement agencies on children's rights. Additionally, it called for ensuring the strict implementation of child protection laws regarding cases involving children. The HRCP appealed to the Government of Balochistan, the Ministry of Human Rights, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Commission for Human Rights to take immediate notice. Earlier on Wednesday, the HRCP expressed deep concern over the ongoing prosecution of underage children who have been subjected to trial under terrorism laws in the country's Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) for the past year. The rights body detailing the list of the children appealed to immediately halt the trial of juvenile defendants in the ATC and transfer the case to the Juvenile Court. 'It is deeply troubling and incomprehensible that, despite clear evidence of being minors, these children are being tried under anti-terrorism laws. Such judicial proceedings not only violate the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, of Pakistan, but also trample upon the fundamental human rights and constitutional protections afforded to children,' the HRCP stated.
Business Recorder
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
World Day Against Child Labour marked: Collective action needed to provide secure future for our children: President
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said that child labour is a global challenge that demands collective action by government and civil society to provide a secure future for our children. 'Pakistan, as a signatory to various international conventions aimed at eliminating child labour, is fully committed to ending the exploitation of children. Today, we observed the World Day Against Child Labour, which reminds us to make efforts to protect every child from exploitation and to build a future where children can learn, play, and grow in a safe and dignified environment,' the president said in his message. He said that Pakistan has taken several steps to prevent exploitation and help affected children. He said that Pakistan has enacted the National Commission on Rights of Child Act (2017), the ICT Child Protection Act (2018), the Juvenile Justice System Act (2018), the Employment of Children's Act (1991), and the Domestic Workers Act (2002). He said that Pakistan has also established effective mechanisms and service units for the prevention of child exploitation, child labour, and providing care and rehabilitation to the affected children. He said that such interventions also include the establishment of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, the Child Protection Institute, and the Child Welfare Bureaus. While the government continues to enforce laws and policies, ending child labour is a joint responsibility, he said, 'I urge employers to strictly follow child labour laws and ensure that their workplaces are free from exploitation. I call on parents and guardians to prioritise the education of their children instead of short-term gains. I urge schools and teachers to identify children at risk of dropping out and keep them in classrooms. The media needs to raise awareness about Child Labour, and philanthropists and civil society should support vulnerable families so that no child is forced into labour due to poverty.' 'Today, I also call upon the international community to pay urgent attention to the suffering of children in conflict zones such as Gaza. Thousands of innocent children in these areas have been displaced, injured, or orphaned due to violence and aggression by the occupation forces. Many children face hunger, trauma, and a heightened risk of being pushed into child labour. These children need immediate global support, protection, and justice,' the president said. He urged government institutions, civil society, human rights defenders, the media, United Nations agencies, educators, parents, and Ulema to take practical steps to end child labour. 'Together, we can dismantle the systems that exploit children and create a Pakistan and a world where every child is free to dream, learn, and build a brighter future,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Child, crime and charity
Listen to article The greater part of the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, which repealed the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance, 2000, deals with the reintegration of the child offenders in society instead of shunning them as an outcaste. Philanthropy can prove helpful in achieving this goal of juvenile justice as demonstrated in the work of Lucy Flower and Julia Lathrop. Lucy Flower was a renowned American children rights activist who moved to Chicago in 1873, and was instrumental in creation of the juvenile court, along with Julia Lathrop. Their friendship set the stage for a close collaboration between Chicago's philanthropists and the evolving juvenile justice system. Charity and philanthropy can prove helpful in lessening government's burden in this regard, and can operate in many forms, from the time when children are imprisoned, to when they are out, after being acquitted or completing their sentence; or being released on bail, probation or parole. The Sindh government established its first juvenile court in Karachi in 1993, under the Sindh High Court's directions in a constitutional petition filed by advocate Zia Ahmed Awan of Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid, and appointed Nilofer Shahnawaz as the first juvenile judge of Sindh's first juvenile court. She was simultaneously assigned the duty to look after the women prison in Karachi. Nilofer Shahnawaz had introduced the idea of collaboration between the jail authorities and private persons and organisations interested in jail reforms, according to the late Gul Muhammad Shaikh, who worked with her as a jailer. Her contributions have been highlighted in For Life, Peace and Justice, a book by renowned journalist Maisoon Hussein (late) as well as in Prison Bound: The Denial of Juvenile Justice in Pakistan by Human Rights Watch. Individuals like Abdul Sattar Edhi (late) had immensely contributed and cooperated with Nilofer Shahnawaz in providing assistance to the juvenile prison and women prison. Tariq Siddiqui, another philanthropist, also provided financial assistance for improving living conditions for women and juvenile inmates. It is important to understand that when children are released from prison, they need to be reintegrated in society, otherwise they will end up committing similar crimes, or taken advantage of and recruited by criminal or extremist terrorist organisations. Pakistan was put on the Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) list in 2021, only to be removed a year later, in 2022. However, if the reintegration of children is not taken seriously, then Pakistan can again end up on the said list, with the problem constitutes a national security issue. Pakistan was the sixth country in the world to sign and ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, nearly one year after it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989. However, Pakistan still has enormous challenges ahead with respect to upholding the rights of children. Pakistan submitted its consolidated sixth and seventh periodic reports in 2023, which were due in 2016 and 2021, and has continuously faced criticisms for failing to protect the rights of children, especially pertaining to child marriages, child labour and child poverty which pushes children into committing crime. Child poverty makes it easy for the children to be exploited by organised criminal organisations. The role of charity and philanthropy, therefore, becomes very important in dispensation of juvenile justice especially with respect to probation and parole laws, as providing vocational training, educational qualification, and treating these children with respect and dignity can ensure their reacceptance, reincorporation and reintegration in the society as an industrious and law abiding citizens.
