20 December 2024, Sialkot - A cutting-edge Training of Trainers (ToT) program, focusing on capacity building for prosecutors in Punjab, concluded its eight round in Sialkot spread over four days from 16 to 19 December 2024, demonstrating a transformative impact on participants. The training of trainers program, funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with Punjab Prosecution Department, Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Centre for Professional Development (CPD), has trained a carefully selected group of prosecutors from across Punjab, focusing on Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot.
The objective was to equip prosecutors with modern instructional techniques and specialized legal knowledge to enable them to train their peers and enhance justice services in the province. The ToT program has been meticulously designed to introduce participants to cutting-edge training modules, focusing on adult learning techniques, co-facilitation, and simulation exercises. These modules aimed to help trainers address real-world challenges in courtrooms and provide efficient and citizen-centric justice services.
Throughout the sessions, participants were engaged in activities aimed at encouraging critical thinking and interactive learning. Role-playing and simulation exercises allowed prosecutors to tackle hypothetical legal scenarios, sharpening their analytical and decision-making skills. The training also incorporated practical discussions on recent legal amendments and their implications for justice delivery.
One of the unique aspects of this ToT initiative was its emphasis on creating a sustainable pool of trainers. By empowering prosecutors with advanced instructional skills, the program aims to establish a self-reliant system of continuous professional development within the Punjab Prosecution Department. Trainee prosecutors are now better positioned to cascade their learning, ensuring long-term improvements in legal practices across their respective districts.
The ToT program underscores the critical role of partnerships in strengthening Punjab’s justice system. The collaboration between UNODC, INL, and provincial institutions reflects a shared commitment to improving access to justice and upholding the rule of law. Prosecutors who participated in the training expressed appreciation for the innovative approach and hands-on techniques, which will enable them to act as catalysts for change in their districts.
One participant shared, “This training has given us the tools to not only enhance our own skills but also transfer knowledge effectively to our peers. It’s a step forward in making justice accessible and fair for all.”
This Training of Trainers program represents a significant milestone in justice sector reform in Punjab. By equipping prosecutors with the skills to serve as trainers, the initiative is paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and responsive prosecution system.
As these trainers return to their districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, they carry forward a shared vision of justice that prioritizes citizen needs and strengthens public trust in legal institutions. This effort aligns seamlessly with UNODC’s broader mandate of promoting justice and accountability in Pakistan.
