ISLAMABAD, Oct 9 (APP):Federal Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem Friday said implementing the law regarding criminal justice system in Pakistan was a complicated issue due to some cultural and societal reasons, and needed improvement.
The people in general were not satisfied and had expectations from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government to bring changes in the law so that the accused should not go scot-free, he said while speaking as a chief guest at a function on the eve of World Day against the Death Penalty.
On the occasion, an art performance titled ‘Before The Sun Comes Up’ was screened to highlight the miseries of a death row prisoner and his sentiments. Ambassadors from the European Union countries, representatives of civil society and government officials attended the function.
Farogh Naseem briefed the audience in detail about the reforms measures taken by the present government in the justice system, like early adjudication of civil cases, transfer of inheritance, ensuring rights of women in inherited properties, and provision of legal assistance from the state to the weaker and poorer segments.
EU Ambassador Androulla Kaminara, while talking to APP, said,“The call for the death penalty might come from an impulse in reaction to a horrific crime. But as a society, we need to reflect deeper on what justice really means and what needs to be done for such crimes not to happen again. The performance that premiered today invites us to enter this discussion.”
She said the EU held a principled position against the death penalty in all circumstances and for all cases that it was unnecessary.
“There is no valid scientific evidence to support that the death penalty deters crime more effectively than other punishments.
Instead, it is the certainty of being caught and punished that serves as a deterrent and of course actions to prevent such crimes from happening in the first place,” she added.
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