Punjab Decides to Overhaul Century-Old Criminal Laws, Forms Legal Reforms Committee

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to change the 150-year-old criminal laws in the province in line with modern requirements. According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Home Department, a legal reform committee has been formed, the notification of which has also been issued. The committee will be headed by DIG Kamran Adil, while Additional Secretary of Home Department Imran Hussain will be the secretary of the committee.
The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months. According to the spokesperson, the main objective of the committee is to modernize and make the criminal laws effective. In this regard, the committee will draft amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, the Martyrs’ Law Order, 1984 and the National Security Act.
The committee will also work on legal reforms related to crime prevention, effective implementation of the law, and maintenance of public order. In addition, the committee will suggest amendments to laws related to the protection of women and children, counter-terrorism, cybercrime, cyber security, and inter-provincial coordination in Punjab.
According to the spokesperson, the committee will propose amendments taking into account modern scientific techniques, international laws, and societal requirements. This step will play an important role in making the judicial system of Punjab more efficient and transparent.