ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar Thursday directed completion of the Islamabad Model Jail, appointment of jail staff and finalisation of administrative matters within stipulated timeframe so that process of transferring prisoners from the Central Jail Adiala to Islamabad Jail could begin from July 1, 2026. During a Justice Committee meeting, concern was expressed over the rising crime rate. The Chief Justice said judges of district judiciary should decide cases promptly, so that public grievances could be addressed in a timely manner.
Instructions were also issued for continuous monitoring of security arrangements by district administration and police at courts and judges’ residences, and for installation of emergency exits and alarm systems in judicial complex to deal with emergency situations. Detailed deliberations were carried out in the committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar.
According to Chief Commissioner’s Office, construction of Model Jail is in its final phase, with the project completion date set for June 30. The Chief Justice directed secretary interior to coordinate with secretary finance to resolve issues related to the construction of ICT Model Jail.
The subcommittee on jail reforms submitted a report regarding National Prison Reform Action Plan. Expressing concern over the crime rate in Islamabad, particularly incidents of theft, robbery and rape, the meeting reviewed the performance of Prosecution Department in ICT and status of challans (charge sheets). The Chief Justice said forensic laboratory reports should be obtained in rape cases so that offenders do not escape punishment.
He emphasised need for proper and effective investigations to reduce crime rates and directed arrangements be made for training of investigating officers so that all possible admissible evidence could be collected.
The meeting also discussed the law and order situation and Safe City surveillance system. It was informed CCTV surveillance is in place in approximately 35 percent of sensitive areas of Islamabad, including red zones, highways and other sensitive locations. According to the report, 19,692 individuals and 15,779 vehicles were checked, resulting in recovery of 17 stolen vehicles and arrest of 15 proclaimed offenders. The meeting was attended by the secretary of the ministry of law and justice, additional secretary of the interior ministry, chief commissioner, the IGP, the advocate general, deputy attorney general, district and sessions judges, the directors general of FIA, NCCIA, National Forensic Agency, Immigration and passports, the federal prosecutor general Islamabad, and officers of the high court.
