11 July 2024, Islamabad - The Public Prosecution Department, Punjab launches a series of Training of Trainer (ToT) sessions for prosecutors funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) andfacilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). These trainings are being conducted in collaboration with the Prosecutor General Office and the Centre for Professional Development (CPD), Punjab and targets a cross-section of senior prosecutors.
Based on the recommendations of a recently completed Training Needs Assessment (TNA), the “Training of Trainers for Prosecutors of Punjab" is a comprehensive modular program spread over six months, designed by a team of technical experts from UNODC aimed to improve skills of Punjab prosecutors. These training sessions will also help in developing a cadre of prosecutors that can serve as master trainers for the department.
In addition to training the master trainers, these sessions are also structured to enhance the overall quality of legal training through modernizing the training regime as well as developing and updating training curricula for the prosecution department.
The first round of the ToT (from 8-11 July, 2024), equipped prosecutors with advanced skills in adult learning, instructional design, effective class management, presentation delivery, questioning, and communication skills. The aims is to modernize basic training delivery skill-set with emphasis on contemporary knowledge- and practice-based learning.
The training stressed adult learning principles, as an essential part of any program. The sessions examined learning theories, identified learning drivers, and showed how they may be applied to legal instruction. By understanding these principles, the master trainers are better equipped to design and deliver training that cater to adult learners.
A notable highlight of the training was the focus on recent legal amendments and key legislative changes, such as those introduced in the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.), Pakistan Penal Code (P.P.C.), and the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021. These sessions provided the prosecutors with up-to-date knowledge on critical legal developments, coupled with practical guidance on how to present and discuss these topics effectively with their trainees.
The program not only strengthens individual capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of educating and improving the prosecution system to deliver gender-sensitive and gender-inclusive investigations, for instance citing the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, the trainees learn how to carry out effective gender-sensitive prosecutions through mock trials in matters concerning crime of gender-based violence and abuse, and other offences, such as rape and sexual abuse in respect of women and children through special procedures for investigation, evidence collection and trial.
The goal is to ultimately deliver a more effective, fair and inclusive prosecution system in Punjab.
