Body formed to revamp century-old criminal laws in Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to revamp its century-old criminal laws and in this regard the Home Department has constituted a Legal Reforms Committee to modernize and amend the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898, Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) 1860, and Qanun-e-Shahadat Order 1984.

The committee will also draft a National Security Law and propose legal reforms to enhance crime prevention, improve law enforcement, and maintain public order.

Special amendments will be suggested to strengthen protections for women and children in Punjab. Additionally, the committee will review and recommend changes to laws concerning counter-terrorism, cybercrime, cybersecurity, and inter-provincial coordination.

According to the Home Department spokesperson, the committee will introduce modern, science-based legal amendments aligned with contemporary societal needs.

As per the official notification, DIG Kamran Adil has been appointed as the committee’s chairman, with Additional Secretary (Judicial) Home Department Imran Hussain Ranjha serving as secretary.

Other members include Deputy Director Law Department Muhammad Younis, Additional Advocate General Punjab Hassan Khalid, and a representative of the Prosecutor General Punjab.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its report to the Home Department within three months.