ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday bringing reforms in the country’s criminal justice system is the top priority of the government so that, like the upper classes, the common man could also get justice without any hassle.

“It (criminal justice system) is the most important sector and, therefore, we want to bring reforms in it,” he said while addressing launching ceremony of an online system for issuance of letters of administration and succession certificates.

He said he wanted to negate a false impression that “crime pays”, by ensuring provision of justice to all, especially the poor and unprivileged class of society.

The prime minister regretted that delay in matters relating to inheritance of property caused utmost grievances to heirs, particularly among families living abroad.

“The overall system that denies the spirit of facilitation to the general public in fact encourages criminal activities in the shape of bribery or illegal occupation of property. When crime pays, crime multiplies,” he added.

For reforms in the criminal justice system, all stakeholders, including judiciary and lawyers, would be taken on board, he said, adding that the main goal of his government was to emulate the welfare state of Madina, where revenues and wealth were diverted towards uplift and facilitation of the underprivileged.

Launches online system for issuance of letters of administration and succession certificates within 15-day period

Prime Minister Khan lauded Minister for Law and Justice Dr Farogh Nasim and his team for completing the difficult task meant to facilitate the common man.

Launching the system for issuance of letters of administration and succession certificates within a 15-day period, he said the step would greatly facilitate local citizens and overseas Pakistanis.

“The main objective of digitalisation of inheritance system is to facilitate the general public and provide them justice without any inordinate delay,” he added.

The letters of administration and succession certificates, which earlier took two to seven years to issue, will now take two weeks only.

Dr Nasim said the Ministry of Law had devised a mechanism to establish Succession Facilitation Units in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) for issuance of letters of administration and succession certificates.

He said the certificates would be issued within 15 days of initiation of application by the legal heirs of the deceased.

PM meets Ulema

Talking to a delegation of Ulema (religious scholars), Prime Minister Khan said that their united efforts could help counter the nefarious conspiracies aimed at creating rift among Muslims all over the world.

Terming the unity and solidarity among Muslim Ummah the need of the hour, he said the role of the Ulema was vital in promoting harmony by discouraging extremism and sectarianism.

The delegation included Pir Mohammad Amin Al Hasnat Shah, Pir Charaguddin Shah, Dr Qibla Ayaz, Pir Naqib-ur-Rehman, Maulana Abdul Khubair Azad, Pir Habib Irfani, Sahibzada Mohammad Hamid Raza, Syed Ziaullah Bukhari, Pir Sultan Ahmad Ali Haq Bahu, Allama Mohammad Hussain Akbar, Mufti Abu Bakar Mohyuddin, Maulana Mohammad Adil Attari, Maulana Mohammad Tayyab Qureshi, Mufti Fazal Jameel Rizvi, Maulana Hamidul Haq, Pir Shamsul Amin, Pir Habibullah Shah, Mohammad Qasim Qasmi, Sahibzada Mohammad Akram Shah and Pir Makhdoom Abbas Bengali.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Noorul Haq Qadri was also present.

The prime minister said Ulema could play a significant role in making the country a true Islamic welfare state.

He said he would hold series of meetings with Ulema and seek guidance from them on issues facing the country.

About his efforts in highlighting the problems faced by the Muslim world, he mentioned that a voice against Islamophobia was raised at several international fora.

The Ulema paid tribute to PM Khan for his 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.

They said the prime minister effectively conveyed the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.

On the issue of the recognition of Israel, the Ulema lauded the prime minister for taking a clear and unequivocal stand.

The delegation appreciated the prime minister’s vision and efforts to make Pakistan in line with the Islamic welfare State of Madina.

They assured the prime minister of their full support in making Pakistan a true Islamic welfare state.

The Ulema mentioned that minorities enjoyed full protection in the country following the prime minister’s efforts for their safety and restoration of their religious sites.

They lauded the prime minister’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 delegation said the prime minister highlighted the Kashmir issue in an effective manner at the United Nations, adding that Mr Khan was a true leader of the Islamic world.

The Ulema also praised efforts of the government in improving the madressa system in the country, particularly in the implementation of educational curriculum as per modern requirements.

Meanwhile, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir called on PM Khan on Thursday and discussed with him the overall economic situation of the country.

The SBP governor updated the prime minister about payments under Roshan Digital Accounts and also statistics of import and exports, the PM Office said.

He also apprised the prime minister about stability in foreign remittances and the expected increase due to effective steps taken by the government.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2021