CJP against unwarranted interference with government matters

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Asif Saeed Khosa on Saturday said courts need not interfere if institutions are working efficiently.

Addressing a ceremony, after chairing a meeting on police reforms, the CJP said respect must be given to those who appear in courts.

"One should maintain the dignity of a police official or any other person who appears before the court", he added.

The CJP said, "Whenever a matter captures the public's attention, people expect a suo motu notice".

He said the Supreme Court is the last place from where people should seek justice and added if SC starts interfering in the matters of the government from the day one then it will create difficulties.

He said that for justice to be dispensed to the masses speedily it was necessary for police to conduct their investigation efficiently.

He praised the courts for wrapping up cases and providing people with speedy justice in a short span of time. The CJP said model courts ushered in a revolution in the judicial history of Pakistan.

Model courts wrapped up 24,000 cases relating to drugs, the CJP said and added, "Magistrate courts announced decisions in 27469 cases.

The CJP said, "My first task as Chief Justice was to protect the dignity of those who seek justice from courts".

He said concrete steps had been taken to counter false testimony and added the investigating officer will also be treated like a suspect in a case of false testimony.

The CJP said, "From now on, the investigation officer will be held responsible as it is not possible that he does not know the truth".

He also urged the judges and the courts to do their part as well in ensuring that false testimonies are identified.

He said retired police officers played an important role in reforms committee, adding that as a lawyer and as a judge he had a pleasant relation with police.

Earlier, the CJP chaired the session of Police Reforms Committee (PRC) which was constituted in January to table recommendations for improvements in the policing system and to examine progress.

The session was attended by inspectors general of four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad. The sessions reviews the measures being taken to enforce police reforms

CJP Khosa asked the police to improve the quality of investigations and ensure timely registration of cases. He also ordered immediate resolution of complaints received by the Police Complaint Cell.