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Press Release

Chief Justice Presents Commission’s Reports to the President

Mr Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmed, Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chairman, Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan and National Judicial Policy Making Committee, accompanied by Dr Faqir Hussain, Secretary of the Commission, called on the President and presented him 11 Reports, approved early this year by the Commission for implementation by the Government. The reports pertain to amendments to the Penal Codes for providing punishment for dishonestly issuing cheques which are dishonoured/bounced, trafficking in children for use as camel jockeys or employment in hazardous/injurious occupations, punishing for the offence of molestation, enhancing the penalties of fines prescribed for various offences to make the law more deterrent, increasing the powers of magistrates in imposing fines, right of appeal against acquittal to private complainant under the Anti-Terrorism Act and enhancement of pecuniary jurisdiction of civil courts, District Courts. Most of such reports/recommendations have already been implemented by the Government through promulgation of Ordinances. The Chief Justice informed the President that certain other reports, recently approved by the Commission, would also be submitted to the Government. The Chief Justice further informed that the Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan and the National Judicial Policy Making Committee are high stature bodies, headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and comprising all the other Chief Justices and legal/judicial luminaries, responsible for the reform and modernisation of the legal system and improvement in the system of administration of justice in the country. The President appreciated the efforts of the Chairman and Members of the Commission and Committee in making sound and viable recommendations for reform and improvement in the legal and judicial systems to expeditiously resolve disputes and give redress of grievances to the litigant public. The President emphasised on the need for having a reformed and modern legal system and efficient system of administration of justice, which is very essential for good governance, and laying sound foundation for sustained economic growth, commercial activities and attracting foreign investment in the country. The President stated that he would forward the reports of the Commission to the Federal Cabinet and Provincial Governors for consideration and placement in Parliament and provincial assemblies.

Habibur Rehman Sheikh

Deputy Secretary

Dated: 27 December 2002