THOUGH there are laws for everything, Pakistan continues to be among the countries that produce repeat offenders. Why is that happening? One reason can be that Pakistan’s criminal justice system lacks the principles that are important for criminal investigations.

When there is a crime, an urgent report or memo of arrest is made out by a sub- inspector, or a police constable, who does not know even the proper way of writing the report. Then at the police station, some other low-rank officer registers the first information report (FIR) without knowing anything about the applicable laws and sections. They simply prepare the report on the basis of their ‘experience’.

Later, the police report reaches the magistrate for trial, where it appears to be a different case altogether, and the case is sent back for re-investigation. This creates hindrance in timely investigation as well as speedy justice.

An investigation should be completed within seven days in bailable offences, and in 14 days in non-bailable offences. The officer in charge must be at least a law graduate who then should register the FIR as per the applicable laws. Moreover, the investigation officer should have knowledge of effective ways of investigation. This will save time.

These and other simple steps can make the legal procedures smooth. But I wonder if the authorities concerned even want to pay heed to such suggestions, and then to do what is needed. Will they really do?

Sameer Hassan Solangi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2024