ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday stressed the need to rework Pakistan’s criminal justice system, adding that “a civilised society gives a message: Crime does not pay”.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates, the premier said that through the law ministry’s initiative, the government was able to ease the burdens of the common man.
He stated the corrective measures would help make people’s lives better. He stated: “once the culprits face punishments for their crimes, the rates would eventually fall in the country.”
“I consider corrections in the system when it provides relief to a common citizen,” he added.
“We are trying to bring reforms and change our justice system for the better,” he said, adding that the inheritance certificates would now be issued within 15 days.
Earlier it normally took two to seven years after initiation of the application by the legal heirs of the deceased.
According to Radio Pakistan, the law ministry has devised a mechanism to establish Succession Facilitation Units in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for the issuance of Letters of Administration and Succession Certificates within 15 days of initiation of the application by the legal heirs of the deceased.
He lamented that the land mafia illegally takes hold of their plots, as he highlighted that half of the pending cases in the courts were of land disputes. “We are trying to bring reforms and change our justice system for the better,” he said, adding that it would be another step towards providing relief to the people.
Reiterating his resolve for transforming Pakistan into a Madina-like state, he said: “In the state of Madina, monarchy did not exist.” The state was based on the principles of equality and justice, he said, adding that people do not know that it was a “modern-day state.”
Meanwhile, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and briefed him on the overall economic situation of the country.
The governor SBP also apprised the Prime Minister of Roshan Digital Account, stability in exports and remittances and the expected increase in them due to government’s steps.
Separately, the prime minister termed the unity and solidarity amongst Muslim Ummah as the need of the hour, and said the role of Ulema was vital in promoting harmony by discouraging extremism and sectarianism.
Talking to a delegation of Ulema (religious scholars), Prime Minister Imran said their united efforts could help counter the nefarious conspiracies aimed at creating a rift among Muslims all over the world.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noor ul Haq Qadri was also present during the meeting.
The premier stated that the Ulema could play a significant role in making the country a true Islamic welfare state.
Imran Khan added that he would hold a series of meetings with Ulema and seek guidance from them on issues facing the country.
Regarding his efforts to highlight the problems faced by the Muslim world, he said that the voice against Islamophobia was raised at several international fora.
The Ulema appreciated the efforts made by Prime Minister Imran Khan and thanked him for taking a firm stance against the blasphemy of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) and Islamophobia in the West at the platform of the United Nations (UN).
They said the premier had effectively conveyed the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.
The delegation said the premier had highlighted the Kashmir issue in an effective manner at the UN, adding that Imran Khan was a true leader of the Islamic world.
On the issue of recognising Israel, the Ulema lauded PM Imran for taking a clear and unequivocal stance.
The delegation appreciated the prime minister’s vision and efforts to make Pakistan more in line with the Islamic welfare state of Madinah.
They assured Prime Minister Imran full support in making Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state.
They also lauded the PM’s prudent strategy in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and the government’s efforts to manage worshippers at mosques in the most efficient manner.
The Ulema informed that minorities enjoyed full protection in the country following the premier’s efforts to ensure their safety and the restoration of their religious sites.
The Ulema also praised the efforts of the government in improving the madrassas system in the country, particularly in the implementation of educational curriculum as per modern requirements.
The delegation included Pir Muhammad Amin Al Hasnat Shah, Pir Charaguddin Shah, Dr Qibla Ayaz, Pir Naqib-ur-Rehman, Maulana Abdul Khubair Azad, Pir Habib Irfani, Sahibzada Muhammad Hamid Raza, Syed Ziaullah Bukhari, Pir Sultan Ahmad Ali Haq Bahu, Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar, Mufti Abu Bakar Mohyuddin, Maulana Muhammad Adil Attari, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, Mufti Fazal Jameel Rizvi, Maulana Hamid ul Haq, Pir Shamsul Amin, Pir Habibullah Shah, Muhammad Qasim Qasmi, Sahibzada Muhammad Akram Shah and Pir Makhdoom Abbas Bengali.
With additional input from TLTP
