04 October 2024, Quetta - In Balochistan, criminal investigations are conducted by both the police and levies, creating a unique challenge for the criminal justice system. The dual structure complicates evidence collection and case preparation for trial, further straining the coordination between investigation bodies and prosecution services. Despite this, prosecution services encounter significant challenges due to limited reforms and inadequate coordination with law enforcement. To address these issues, UNODC is working to standardize processes and implement reforms for fairer and more efficient trials.
On October 4 in Quetta, UNODC, as part of the EU-funded project 'Rule of Law Balochistan’, organized a workshop to enhance collaboration between Investigation Officers of Police and Levies, and Prosecutors in the region. This workshop aimed to build upon the progress made through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has strengthened the partnership between the Balochistan Police and the Prosecution Department.
The key objectives of the workshop were to reinforce the consensus reached during previous sessions by formalizing investigators-prosecutor cooperation. It aimed to identify existing challenges and formulate actionable recommendations to overcome obstacles encountered in investigations and criminal trials. Additionally, the workshop created a common platform for sharing lessons learned, fostering synergy, and enhancing coordination among district institutions. Ultimately, the workshop successfully concluded with the finalization and endorsement of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which now serves as a vital framework for ongoing collaboration between the three departments.
Previously, in September 2022, UNODC, in collaboration with the Balochistan Police and Prosecution Department, organized a seminar on police-prosecutor cooperation in Quetta. Following its success, UNODC held three more workshops: in Gwadar (November 2022), Naseerabad (March 2023), and Quetta (May 2024). Through these initiatives, UNODC remains committed to fostering stronger institutional cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective criminal justice system in Balochistan.
A key focus of the workshop was the endorsement and signing of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to formalize cooperation between the Balochistan Police, Levies and Prosecution Departments, specifically aimed at establishing a coordination mechanism between Prosecution and Investigation Officers before the submission of a challan.
The workshop included participants from the Balochistan Police, Balochistan Levies, and the Prosecution Department of the Government of Balochistan. A total of 50 attendees were present, comprising representatives from UNODC, consultants, and members of the media.
The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to come together to continue building a common platform for sharing lessons learned and reviewing the coordination framework for police, levies and prosecutors, charting the way forward.
This is a significant step forward in institutionalizing investigators-prosecutor cooperation and improving the overall criminal justice process in Balochistan.
