Incorporating the processes into the criminal justice system in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan's criminal justice system, like those in many other countries, faces significant challenges in ensuring a fair and efficient justice system because of the lack of pre-trial process. This thesis delves into the pressing necessity of integrating robust pre-trial procedures into Pakistan's criminal justice framework as far as delay and backlog of the cases are concerned. The researcher has emphasized the potential advantages of reforming the pre-trial phase, including reduced case backlog, improved access to justice, and fortified protection of individuals' rights through taking lessons from Malaysian criminal justice system. This research has adopted the doctrinal and qualitative research methodologies as far as research questions and objectives of the research are concerned. This thesis has found that Pakistan’s criminal justice system is outdated and has several shortcomings and loopholes in its factionary while other countries of the world have introduced the pretrial processes in their criminal justice systems. Grounded in international best practices and legal principles, this thesis puts forth recommendations for a comprehensive reform initiative, with a particular focus on bolstering legal assistance, introducing pre-trial processes like pretrial conference, case management and plea bargaining. These proposed changes aim to align Pakistan's criminal justice system with global standards, promoting fairness, efficiency, and the safeguarding of human rights through the pre-trial processes.