In the backdrop of the decision of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa held last week, Sindh High Court Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M Shaikh has ordered the establishment of one Model Criminal Trial Court (MCTC) in every judicial district of the province in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan which enshrines and guarantees inexpensive and expeditious dispensation of justice – Article 37 (d) and Right to Fair Trial (Article 10A).
The establishment of the MCTC in the province is a significant, unprecedented initiative to deliver justice to the justice –seekers. Those who were looking for justice have hailed the establishment of model criminal trial courts throughout the province for swift disposal of old cases. Other provinces should also follow suit and establish these specialized courts. I think that this is an excellent step, but more must be done to implement new innovations in other key players of criminal administration of justice system. The persistent flaws in our criminal justice system may also be addressed. Above all, our lawyers and prosecutors should also embrace a smarter approach to criminal justice. All the players, including the federal and provincial, should also play their desired role to reform and strengthen the justice system, both civil and criminal. The judiciary as an institution has taken the lead by establishing the MCTCs. Now the provincial government should not lag behind in this matter and provide what is due on their part for effective dispensation of justice.
Hashim Abro
Islamabad