19th Pakistan Prosecution Forum continues to advocate for justice for people

July 2, 2024, Islamabad – The Sindh Public Prosecution Department has convened the 19th meeting of the Pakistan Prosecuting Forum (PPF) on July 2, 2024.^and July 2024 in Karachi. The meeting, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), brought together senior representatives from all provincial prosecutorial services and the federal law department.

This national forum facilitates knowledge exchange and consensus building on strategic areas of reform in the provision of prosecutorial services. The forum also promotes best practices to provide more efficient and effective prosecutorial services to support justice and the rule of law. One of the priority areas of the PPF is the harmonization and standardization of prosecutorial procedures and standards across provinces. The Attorney General of Sindh, the Secretary of the Public Prosecution and the UNODC Country Representative also attended the meeting, underscoring its importance in strengthening the exchange of information and experiences among provinces.

19^t The PPF meeting continued the momentum from the meetings held earlier in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2024. Participants deliberated on earlier recommendations to assess the effectiveness of implementation and identify areas requiring further attention.

The forum addressed the multifaceted challenges facing the prosecutorial system. Consistency and transparency of prosecutorial decisions are key to maintaining public confidence in the legal system. Presentations and discussions highlighted the need for rigorous oversight and compliance with laws and practices.

The participants also deliberated on the training needs and skill sets to improve the prosecutorial services and finalize the Codes of Conduct for the prosecutors of Sindh. To ensure fair, efficient and transparent processes, the role of a strong and capable prosecutorial service is crucial. The Codes of Conduct, therefore, provide a concrete framework and guidelines for building an accountable and competent prosecutorial system in Sindh.

The coordination mechanism between investigators and prosecutors was also a key topic. Effective coordination is essential for thorough investigations and substantiated prosecutions. By sharing best practices and identifying challenges, the forum helps improve interagency cooperation, which is essential for effective prosecutions.

The meeting concluded with a summary and an outline of the future program. This forward-looking approach makes the forum dynamic and responsive to emerging new challenges.

The Forum’s efforts to standardize practices, increase coordination, and promote ethical conduct are essential to building a more effective and transparent legal framework. As the PPF moves forward, its commitment to these principles, including respect for human rights and gender-sensitive planning and delivery of prosecutorial services, will undoubtedly contribute to creating a more just and equal society.

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