20 November 2004	Saturday	07 Shawwal 1425

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Friday that a federal commercial court would be established in Islamabad to deal with disputes relating to business, federal taxes and investment.

In his first address to the nation since assuming office in August this year, the prime minister said the new court would release pressure on regular courts and help them focus on providing speedy justice to people. He conceded that justice was not readily available to the common man though it was necessary for the development of society.

The prime minister announced a number of other measures to improve and simplify judicial procedures. "To me justice delayed is justice denied," he observed. Necessary amendments would be made to existing laws and courts would not be able to grant stay orders unilaterally without hearing the other party. The law ministry has already been directed to propose necessary changes to the laws in this regard, he added.

Similarly, cases would not be pursued in civilian courts unless corroborated with necessary documents, including a witnesses list, he said. Mr Aziz also said that the number of judges and their salaries would be increased. Moreover, courts' environment would also be improved through better facilities.

Laws relating to women, he said, would be modified to facilitate release women on bail. The prime minister also announced important steps to stop harassment of people, saying the laws which empowered police to take action for filing fake FIRs would be changed to allow the common man to initiate proceedings against bogus FIRs.

Similarly, police would not be allowed to arrest a citizen on suspicion without the consent of higher authorities. Likewise, a police official found conducting investigations unfairly or with mala fide intentions would have to face consequences. The prime minister said it was important that investigations were held in an impartial manner by ensuring fairness.

These measures would not have any negative impact on the performance of the police, he added. To cope with the law and order situation in the country, the police would be equipped with better weapons and vehicles and funds would be provided for the welfare of police personnel.