Public prosecutors play a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law in Pakistan. As government advocates, they are the vanguard of justice, championing the rights of complainants and ensuring that the interests of justice are served.
The state’s provision of free legal services to complainants is a constitutional guarantee that ensures access to justice for all, regardless of their financial means. However, the remuneration of government lawyers is a far cry from their private counterparts, who earn handsome fees without any limitations. In contrast, government lawyers are paid a monthly salary that is hardly commensurate with their skills and experience.
A glance at their workload of government lawyers reveals that they are not only tasked with prosecuting cases in court but also burdened with scrutinising reports that demand meticulous attention to detail and mental effort. It is high time for the government to recognise their hard work and provide them with better emoluments and perks to compensate them for their toil and travail.
Furthermore, a comparison with other 17-scale officers reveals that government lawyers are treated unfairly, with limited facilities and even no access to government vehicles etcetera. This disparity must be addressed to ensure that government lawyers are empowered to deliver justice without any hindrances. The government must level the playing field and provide them with the same facilities and perks as their counterparts in other departments. The government should also provide them better facilities, training and resources to enable them to discharge their duties more efficiently.
The government must take immediate action to address the grievances of government lawyers and provide them with the respect and recognition they deserve.
RIAZ ALI PANHWAR
HYDERABAD
