PM approves establishment of 120 new accountability courts

ISLAMABAD: In order to accelerate the ongoing accountability process and clear the backlog of cases, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday formally approved to set up 120 new accountability courts in the country, said the Ministry of Law and Justice.

According to a spokesperson of the law ministry, the approval for the establishment of 120 new accountability courts was given during the federal cabinet meeting.

The PM said owing to financial issues, new accountability courts will be established in phases. He, however, ordered the ministry to set up 30 courts immediately.

Pursuant to the Supreme Court's orders dated 8th July 2020, Law Minister Barrister Dr Muhammad Farogh Naseem had briefed PM Imran regarding the establishment of 120 accountability courts across the country.

The PM directed the establishment and finance divisions to extend full support to implement the decision of establishment of additional accountability courts e.g. creation of posts, HR-related issues, provisions of finances, etc.

Moreover, Parliamentary Secretary on Law and Justice Barrister Maleeka Bokhari gave a briefing regarding the creation of special courts to prosecute-gender based violence crimes, which include rape and sexual abuse against women, children and transgender community.

The PM directed the law ministry to separately move a comprehensive proposal to bring amendments to the existing laws and establish the Special Gender Based Violence (GBV) Courts across the country, after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders.