ISLAMABAD, April 12: Chief Justice of Supreme Court Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmed on Saturday said the Constitution guaranteed fundamental rights and the courts were effectively playing their role to ensure provision of these rights.

Speaking to police officers at the National Police Academy on Saturday, the chief justice said the police constituted a vital element in the administration of the justice system, therefore, they should uphold constitutional and legal principles and fulfil their responsibilities with commitment and dedication.

The topic of his lecture was, ‘Criminal Justice System: Role of Judiciary’.

Referring to the training at the police academy, Justice Riaz Ahmed said: “Your education and training enables you to bring about a positive change in the way and manner policing is carried out.” He said it was essential for a public servant to earn the respect and confidence of citizens through selfless and dedicated service and professional performance of duties.

The chief justice urged the police officials to honestly conduct investigation and present a true and accurate account of the incident.

He said the prosecution branch relied heavily on police investigation, and the courts would not be able to do quick and complete justice unless they get detailed and accurate report of the incident. He said the police played a crucial role in timely and successful culmination of trial along with the primary object of prevention of crime.

Appreciating the reorganization plan of the police under the new Police Order 2002, creating a separate investigating branch, the chief justice hoped that the branch with the services of honest, qualified, trained and professional staff duly equipped would discharge the crucial task of conducting fair and impartial investigation.

He said the causes and factors that hamper or delay investigation and timely submission of challan must be urgently addressed and resolved.

Justice Riaz Ahmed said adequate staffing and equipment arrangement must also be made to ensure that the challan was submitted in the court of law in the specified period which was 14 days.

He, however, admitted that subordinate judiciary was facing severe constraints, namely inadequate judicial officers and court staff, outdated libraries and equipment, dilapidated courtrooms which caused delay in cases in courts.

Referring to the Access to Justice Programme, the chief justice hoped that it would improve infrastructure and provide other facilities, so as to strengthen the system of administration of justice in the country. He said the fund would be expanded on improving the judiciary and the performance of police.

The CJ said the rule of law had closer nexus with good governance which alone furnished incentives for economic upsurge and trade activities.—APP