KP prosecutors in ATCs asked to improve performance

PESHAWAR: Terming the performance of Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATC) unsatisfactory, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prosecution Department has issued a letter to all the prosecutors in the ATC to improve cooperation with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and expedite investigation in the terrorism-related pending cases.

Sources said that a high-level meeting was held in the Prosecution Department on September 11 last, where the participants expressed concern over the poor performance of prosecutors in the Anti-Terrorism Courts.

Following the meeting, the sources added that a letter was then sent to the ATC prosecutors across the province, stating that the performance of the ATC courts was unsatisfactory as more accused were acquitted while a fewer were convicted in August.

The letter further pointed out that there was limited cooperation between the CTD investigation officers and prosecutors, which resulted in a large number of cases pending for investigation.

The highest number of pending investigations was reported in the Bannu division. Prosecutors were instructed to coordinate with the CTD officers to ensure timely submission of challans as per the law.

The letter has stressed the need for effective collaboration between the ATC prosecutors and CTD officers to achieve positive results. Also, all prosecutors have been asked to submit performance reports related to the cases they are handling.