Why Police Order 2002 never implemented, asks IHC.

Byline: Saqib Bashir

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has questioned why the Police Order 2002 has not been implemented despite the fact that the objective of the law was to make one of the most important components of the criminal justice system responsive, effective and accountable to actual stakeholders.

According to a written order issued on Friday, the Police Order, 2002 'is being resisted for reasons that are required to be explained and justified By: the federation as well as the administration of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

'The Police Order, 2002 came into force in the ICT on the date when the local government had assumed office in the said territory, as contemplated under sub section (3) of section 1 ibid.

'Whether there are justifiable reasons for refusing to implement the provisions of the said statute, the object whereof was to make one of the most important components of the criminal justice system responsive, effective and accountable to the actual stakeholders,' it said.

The court questioned if there were no justifiable reasons for refusing to implement the provisions of the Police Order, 2002, then who is responsible for the delay and whether such person/authorities should be held accountable?

It also asked what factors are responsible for the lack of functional specialization of investigation officers and who is responsible for their appointment, training and career planning

'Whether the enforced laws in the context of the criminal justice system, eg, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, 1984, etc meet the challenges, particularly prevention of miscarriages of justice?'

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