June 6, 2017: A team of CODE PAKISTAN researchers, comprising Mr. Babur Ghani and Ms. Saba Imran, visited Karachi to hold meetings with criminal justice officials of the Sindh Government. During the visit, the research team of CODE PAKISTAN held meetings with various high-ranking officials of the Home Department of the Sindh Government. The meetings were held as part of a nation-wide study being conducted by CODE PAKISTAN to identify the causes and consequences of high numbers of under-trial prisoners (UTPs) leading to overcrowding in Pakistan’s prisons and coming up with a thorough assessment of the criminal justice system with regard to delays in the processing and adjudication of cases. CODE PAKISTAN is conducting the said study on the formal request of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), which is mandated to implement the National Action Plan (NAP), unanimously agreed upon by the political leadership of the country in December 2014. Revamping of the criminal justice system is the 20th point of NAP. CODE PAKISTAN’s study will be dovetailed to NACTA’s efforts in conducting research on Point 20 of NAP mentioned above.
A candid exchange of views took place during the meeting between Team CODE PAKISTAN and the concerned Sindh Government officials on the situation of overcrowding in the prisons in the province and the prevalence of under-trial detention. The causes and consequences of the prevalence of the incidence of under-trial detention also came under discussion during the meetings that were held in a very cordial atmosphere. CODE PAKISTAN is grateful to NACTA for facilitating the meetings for the study.