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YouTube19th Pakistan Prosecution Forum continues to advance delivery of justice for the people
2 July 2024, Islamabad - The Sindh Prosecution Department convened the 19th meeting of the Pakistan Prosecution Forum (PPF) on 2nd July, 2024, in Karachi. The meeting funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) brought together senior representatives from all the provinces prosecution services and the federal law department. 
This national forum facilitates knowledge exchange and consensus building on strategic reform areas in the delivery of prosecution services. The forum also promotes best practices to deliver more efficient and effective prosecution services to support justice and the rule of law. One of the PPF's priority areas is harmonization and standardization of prosecutorial procedures and norms across Provinces. The Prosecutor General Sindh, the Secretary Prosecution, and the Country Representative of UNODC also attended the meeting, highlighting its importance to strengthen exchange of information and experiences between Provinces.
The 19th meeting of the PPF continued the impetus from the meetings held earlier in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 2024. The participants reflected on past recommendations to assess the effectiveness of implementation and identify areas that require further attention.
The forum addressed the multifaceted challenges facing the prosecutorial system. Consistency and transparency in prosecutorial decisions are crucial for maintaining public faith in the legal system. The presentations and discussions highlighted the need for rigorous scrutiny and compliance to laws and practices.
The participants also deliberated on training needs and skill sets to improve prosecutorial services and finalizing codes of conduct for Sindh's prosecutors. In order to deliver fair, efficient and transparent trials, the role of a strong and capable prosecution service is critical. The codes of conduct therefore provide a specific framework and guidelines towards building a responsible and competent prosecutorial system in Sindh.
The coordination mechanism between investigators and prosecutors was also a key topic. Effective coordination is necessary for thorough investigations are well-founded prosecutions. By sharing best practices and identifying challenges, the forum helps improve inter-agency collaboration, which is essential for successful prosecutions.
The meeting ended with a recap and outline of future agenda. This forward-looking approach keeps the forum dynamic and responsive to emerging new challenges.
The forum's efforts to standardize practices, enhance coordination, and promote ethical conduct are essential for building a more effective and transparent legal framework. As the PPF moves forward, its commitment to these principles, including upholding of human rights and gender-sensitive planning and delivery of prosecution services will undoubtedly contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Media:
https://www.facebook.com/unodc.pakistan/posts/792993043037725?ref=embed_post
https://x.com/UNODCPakistan/status/1808091899439599928