Last week lauding the crucial role of Pakistani nation and anti-terrorism court, Judges in their fight against the scourge of terrorism Her Excellency, Ms Alison Blake, Deputy British High Commission, said, here in the Federal Judicial Academy, Islamabad, that the role of judges was very crucial to bringing the perpetrators to justice and they were proud of the bravery of judges in imparting justice and they would work together to support and strengthen their capability.
However, a judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan, Honorable Mr Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja was aptly quoted as saying, “The anti-terrorism court judges should also be better equipped with the new tools and techniques to administer justice. Like other courts, the role of anti-terrorism courts is significant, as courts are also meant to uphold the rule of law without being swayed by public opinion, pressure and consequences. Judges of anti-terrorism courts must adhere to the principles and norms of the criminal justice system. The Judges of the anti-terrorism court can’t lose sight of Article 9 of the Constitution which guarantees the security of life and liberty. Judges of anti-terrorism courts must bear in mind their responsibility, not only as who should convict the accused, if the substantial evidence is not available, but to do justice.”
It is hoped that after the successful completion of a six-day colloquium on “ Modern Investigation and Evidence Gathering in a changing Criminal Justice and Counter Terrorism World” for Anti-terrorism court Judges from all over Pakistan and AJ and K, here in the Federal Judicial Academy ( FJA), Islamabad, the British High Commission, Islamabad and other partners such as US Department of Justice, Australian Federal Police (AFP) will also arrange more trainings and orientations in the FJA, Islamabad, for all main stakeholders of administration of criminal justice system in Pakistan. In particular, something needs to be done to reform the police arm of the state so far as new methods of investigation and evidence gathering, appreciate evidence and techniques are concerned.
HASHIM ABRO,
Islamabad, December 11.