In a major move aimed at improving the criminal justice system, the Sindh Prosecution Department has issued a comprehensive circular to strengthen prosecution procedures, enhance scrutiny of challans and ensure greater accountability in criminal investigations and trials across the province.
The circular was issued by Prosecutor General Sindh Barrister G. Shabbir Shah on the directions of Sindh Minister for Law, Home and Parliamentary Affairs Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar. According to the circular, prosecutors have been directed to independently examine investigation reports and challans before they are submitted to courts. Prosecutors will be required to provide their own legal assessment regarding the availability of evidence and the correct application of relevant laws instead of relying solely on investigating agencies.
The circular emphasizes that successful prosecution begins during the investigation phase. It states that prosecutors must be involved from the earliest stages of an investigation to effectively supervise legal and evidentiary matters that eventually become part of the challan presented before the court.
To improve coordination between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, all investigating agencies have been instructed to engage prosecutors immediately after the registration of an FIR and maintain close consultation throughout the investigation process. The circular notes that early involvement of prosecutors can help eliminate procedural and evidentiary shortcomings that often weaken cases during trial proceedings.
The directive also reiterates the role of the prosecution service in ensuring justice by protecting innocent individuals from wrongful prosecution while ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. Prosecutors have been instructed to perform their duties with independence, impartiality, professional integrity and strict adherence to the law.
Special attention has been given to cases involving women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Prosecutors have been directed to prioritize such cases, protect the dignity and rights of victims and ensure that victims and witnesses are safeguarded against intimidation, harassment and secondary victimization.
The circular further introduces a strong accountability mechanism. It warns that disciplinary action may be initiated against prosecutors as well as officials of investigating agencies whose conduct adversely affects the prosecution process. Under Section 9A(2) of the Sindh Criminal Prosecution Service Act, the Prosecutor General Sindh has the authority to initiate or recommend disciplinary proceedings where necessary.
Lanjar said the circular would strengthen the rule of law, improve coordination among criminal justice institutions and contribute to a fair, transparent and effective justice system in the province.
Prosecutor General Barrister Shah said the directives would be implemented strictly throughout Sindh to ensure that prosecution services remain independent, accountable and capable of delivering justice in accordance with the law and public interest.
