LAHORE: Reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to protecting women and children, Secretary Prosecution Salman Ghani has said that expeditious trials in sexual offences cases would be ensured to safeguard victims’ rights and restore public confidence in the justice system.
Speaking at a specialised training workshop for prosecutors, Mr Ghani said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Prosecution Department was undertaking comprehensive and standardised training initiatives to equip its officers with skills aligned to modern legal and forensic requirements. He stressed that the effective enforcement of anti-rape and related laws depended not only on legislative reforms but also on the professional competence and preparedness of prosecutors.
He described the protection of victims particularly women and children as a foremost priority of the Punjab government, adding that speedy trials were crucial to preventing secondary victimisation, reducing procedural delays and ensuring timely delivery of justice. “The state has a responsibility to stand by victims through every stage of the criminal justice process,” he observed, noting that institutional strengthening was essential for meaningful implementation of special laws dealing with sexual crimes.
The session, organised by the Centre for Professional Development of Public Prosecutors, focused on anti-rape and sodomy laws, evolving judicial precedents, evidentiary standards and practical courtroom requirements. Participants were given detailed briefings on legal references, case preparation techniques, coordination with investigation agencies and the handling of sensitive testimony in accordance with statutory safeguards.
legal expert Aamir Younis Raja and senior prosecutor Hafiz Muhammad Asghar conducted the training, offering comprehensive guidance in light of recent case law and procedural developments. Mr Raja commended the Prosecution Department’s professional approach, saying that structured training programmes enhanced institutional capacity and contributed to more effective enforcement of anti-rape legislation.
Secretary Azam Kamal and other senior officials attended the event and reiterated their resolve to deploy all available resources to ensure diligent prosecution and prompt justice for victims.
Legal observers say that while Pakistan has enacted stricter anti-rape laws and introduced procedural safeguards in recent years, implementation challenges persist, particularly in evidence collection, witness protection and trial delays. They note that sustained training of prosecutors alongside improved coordination with police, forensic agencies and trial courts is vital to translating legislative intent into tangible outcomes.
Officials familiar with the department’s recent efforts say the Prosecution Department has been working to modernise its internal systems, standardise case review mechanisms and introduce performance based monitoring to improve conviction rates in gender-based violence cases. Regular capacity-building workshops, exposure to judicial best practices and emphasis on victim-centred prosecution strategies are part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening public trust in the criminal justice system.
The renewed emphasis on fast-track trials and professional development, observers add, reflects a recognition that effective prosecution is central to deterring sexual crimes and ensuring that victims receive timely and dignified justice.
