ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Law and Justice has introduced major amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898, as reported by ARY News.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the extensive reforms, which received unanimous approval from the federal cabinet. The reforms were developed through recommendations by a committee led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, incorporating input from bar councils, lawyers, prosecutors, and judges.
Key changes include the introduction of an electronic system for filing FIRs and granting initial inquiry powers for their registration. Under the amendments, only female officers will be authorised to arrest women. The reforms also prioritise the use of modern investigative tools, such as audio and video recordings, to ensure the accuracy of evidence.
Additionally, prosecutors will now have the authority to identify flaws in police reports, enhancing transparency in investigations. If evidence is deemed insufficient, investigations can be suspended under the new legal provisions. These measures aim to improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
The cabinet-approved amendments will now be presented to Parliament for final legislation.
In October 2024, the government withdrew plans to amend Articles 63-A and 38 of the Constitution. The final draft of the constitutional amendment bill, presented in the Senate, excluded these changes. Initially, the proposed amendments suggested that votes cast by lawmakers contrary to their party chief’s instructions would still be counted. However, this provision was omitted from the final version of the bill.
