TO put it mildly, the state of the criminal justice system in Pakistan is abysmal. Instead of being investigated along scientific lines, most crimes are probed through rudimentary methods, with the result that conviction rates nationwide are low. The key to rectifying this lies in setting up proper training institutes where investigators can be educated in the latest methods and asked to apply these in the field. One step in the right direction was taken on Sunday in Sindh when the provincial police chief inaugurated a school of investigation, built with German assistance. Sindh IG A.D. Khowaja said the establishment of the institute was “imperative to improve professional training of investigators with the help of modern technology”. He added that similar institutes would be set up in other parts of the province while “serious steps” were being taken to establish a forensics lab.

In an age where criminals and terrorists are using the latest methods to disrupt life, law enforcers cannot afford to rely on outdated crime-fighting techniques. It is hoped that the training centre can help change the police culture in Sindh so that crimes are investigated along modern lines and that, as a result, criminals are brought to justice. Moreover, similar institutes/labs are needed at the district or divisional levels so that the evidence is not compromised while being transported out of the city/town or even the province. Investigators and policemen of all ranks must be taught to preserve crime scenes and treat evidence with care so that solid cases can be built. Also, well-trained, motivated medico-legal officers are needed in sufficient numbers to examine victims at hospitals. There have been various efforts in the past as well to reform the police through the establishment of various centres and institutes. What is needed is a holistic overhaul of the criminal justice system so that all arms of law enforcement are working in tandem and as per standard operating procedures.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2018