Lahore (Web Desk): The Punjab government has constituted a Legal Reforms Committee tasked with revising outdated criminal laws to align with modern requirements.
The committee will be responsible for drafting amendments to critical legal instruments, including the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898, the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)1860, and the Qanun-e-Shahadat Order 1984.
Additionally, the committee is entrusted with preparing a draft for the proposed National Security Law.
The reforms will primarily focus on enhancing crime prevention mechanisms, optimizing law enforcement processes, and ensuring public safety, with particular emphasis on safeguarding the rights and protection of women and children.
Moreover, the committee will propose changes concerning counterterrorism strategies, addressing cybercrime, bolstering cybersecurity measures, and fostering better interprovincial cooperation.
In line with these objectives, the Punjab Home Department has issued a notification confirming the establishment of the committee, which will be led by DIG Kamran Adil as its chairman.
Additional Secretary (Judicial) Imran Hussain Ranjha will serve as secretary, with other members drawn from legal and prosecution departments.
The committee is expected to submit its comprehensive report within the next three months, offering substantial recommendations for the legal reform process.
This initiative follows the approval of a broad range of reforms and projects by the Punjab Cabinet in December 2024, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The cabinet’s decisions included the formal establishment of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority, under the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority Rules 2024, as well as the delegation of hearing powers to Assistant Commissioners in connection with the Punjab Environment and Regulatory Authority.