PESHAWAR, Feb 22: The NWFP government has failed to monitor the performance of Criminal Justice Coordination Committees in various districts of the province.The Police Order, 2002, had envisaged the committees to settle various issues, particularly problems being faced by courts and those facing cases. Every committee shall comprise seven members with the district and sessions judge as its chairman, head of the district police, district public prosecutor, district superintendent jail, district probation officer and district parole officer as members, and head of investigation as its secretary.

The main issue which is always raised by judicial officers is pertaining to non-production of under-trial prisoners in courts. Lack of coordination among quarters concerned is also affecting performance of the committees.

The committees have to review operation of the criminal justice system and work for its improvement by promoting understanding, cooperation and coordination in administration of criminal justice. The bodies also have to formulate coordinated priorities and plans to give effect to locally-agreed policies, and raise relevant issues with the authorities.

Under Article 111 (2) of the Police Order, the committees shall meet at least once a month.

An official told Dawn that the committees had been formed in different districts, but they had no contact with the home department, nor officials of the home department had ever monitored their activities. “As per rules, minutes of the monthly meetings are to be sent to the home department and authorities concerned of the police department, but it’s not being done,” he said.