ISLAMABAD: The law ministry will establish 30 accountability courts across the country in the first phase as Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved phase-wise establishment of 120 such courts to expedite disposal of corruption references.

Pursuant to the Supreme Court’s orders dated July 8 and Oct 21, Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Farogh Naseem briefed the prime minister on establishment of 120 accountability courts across the country, a statement issued by the law ministry said.

The prime minister granted approval to establishment of 120 accountability courts in the country in accordance with the SC directives, but owing to financial constraints initially 30 courts would be established whereas the remaining will be set up in a phased manner keeping in view the workload.

The prime minister directed the establishment and finance divisions to extend full support for implementation of the decision on establishment of the additional accountability courts, creation of posts, provision of finances, etc.

Moreover, Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Barrister Maleeka Bokhari gave a briefing on the creation of special courts to prosecute gender-based crimes, including rape and sexual abuse against women, children and transgender persons.

The prime minister appreciated the law ministry’s initiative and directed it to separately move a comprehensive proposal to amend the existing laws and establish special gender-based violence courts across the country after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

Published in Dawn, October 28th, 2020