Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, held a significant meeting at the Supreme Court Karachi Registry to address critical issues in the prison system. During this meeting, the formation of a Jail Reforms Committee for Sindh was announced.
Humanitarian Approach to Prison Reform
The meeting emphasized the importance of treating prisoners with humanity and adhering to legal requirements. Chief Justice Afridi highlighted the necessity of prioritizing cases of prisoners awaiting decisions for over three years and creating mechanisms to expedite these cases.
Reviewing Criminal Justice Policies
Justice Afridi stressed the need to review previous criminal justice policies to assess their impact and develop future strategies. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure the effectiveness and fairness of the prison system.
Formation of the Jail Reforms Committee
The Supreme Court’s statement revealed that the meeting was attended by key figures, including:
- Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui
- Retired Justice Irshad Ali Shah
- Inspector General of Prisons
- ther notable officials
A sub-committee, specifically for Sindh, was formed to evaluate prison conditions and propose a comprehensive reform package. This sub-committee will be led by retired Justice Irshad Ali Shah, with Barrister Haya Iman Zahid as the coordinator and members including Abdul Razzaq Raja and Sheikh Abdullah. Representatives from the Sindh Prisons Department and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan will also be involved.
Mandate of the Committee
The committee's mandate includes:
- Preparing actionable recommendations to address challenges faced by prisoners
- Introducing training programs
- Providing mental health support
- Implementing educational initiatives
- Developing strategies for the reintegration of prisoners into society post-release
National Jail Reform Policy
The recommendations from the sub-committee will be integrated into a national jail reform policy to establish a comprehensive framework for prison reforms across the country.
Commitment to Staff and Litigants
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi also met with the staff at the Supreme Court Karachi Registry, emphasizing the importance of resolving issues courteously and effectively. He expressed a desire to establish a front desk for litigants to ensure they are treated with dignity. He also warned that any misconduct complaints against staff would result in action.
Assurance to Court Staff
Justice Afridi assured staff that their issues, including promotions and service-related matters, would be addressed provided they maintain high standards of service and courtesy. The Registrar will visit the registry to ensure the timely resolution of staff issues.
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