Sindh Assembly has played crucial role in enacting laws to promote equality: CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday highlighted the efforts of the provincial assembly in introducing laws aimed at implementing various innovative and citizen-centric initiatives.

Shah especially mentioned the capacity building of prosecutors and the judiciary on laws related to gender-based violence, anti-rape measures, protection of minority rights, legislation on forced conversion, and training of the Sindh police in handling cases involving transgender persons.

He made these remarks during the launch of the Sindh Prosecution Road Map 2025-2030 at a local hotel. Organised by the Sindh Criminal Prosecution Services Department in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the programme was attended by lawyers, civil society members, provincial secretaries, and diplomats.

CM Shah said the Pakistan Peoples Party believes in upholding the rule of law at national level, and has provided the constitutional framework for the country. He said the PA has played a crucial role in enacting a variety of innovative and citizen-centric initiatives aimed at promoting justice and equality.

He pointed out that one notable achievement was the enactment of the Sindh Prisons & Corrections Services Act, making the PA the first legislative assembly to adopt significant jail reforms in Asia.

Moreover, he remarked, the Sindh Criminal Prosecution Service Department has been actively participating in national causes, with the Sindh prosecutor general serving as a national legal expert on the Financial Action Task Force.

Shah said his government has also organised meetings of the Pakistan Prosecution Forum in collaboration with provincial chapters, with the 19th meeting recently hosted by the federal prosecutor general in Karachi.

He disclosed that the road map developed with the support of the UNODC is a pioneering study that identifies gaps and challenges in the criminal justice system regarding the rights of transgender persons, trafficking in persons, and the rights of minorities.

He said that the launch of the road map marks a significant step forward in advancing the rule of law reforms to the next level. “Let us continue to work together and leverage our collective expertise to implement the Sindh Prosecution Road Map, and deliver a fair and equitable justice system to serve the people of Sindh and Pakistan.”

He commended the dedication and commitment of the criminal prosecution service department to empowering the prosecution system to deliver fair and just outcomes. He expressed the government’s commitment to a transparent and equitable justice system in the province through the prosecution road map.

He thanked the UNODC for their relentless support and technical guidance in shaping a citizen-centric and inclusive road map aimed at enhancing the performance of the prosecutorial system in Sindh over the next five years.

He emphasised the need to remain focused on translating the vision into a strong prosecution service in the province through measurable, objective and actionable steps.

He stressed the importance of executing relevant policy and governance reforms to achieve evidence-based decision-making. He expressed confidence in the institutions and the technical support provided by the UNODC, citing their global practice and experiential knowledge in executing similar road map projects.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Minister for Agriculture and Anti-Corruption Establishment Sardar Mohammad Bux Mahar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Dr Jeremy Milsom and Zia Hashmi of the UNODC, and Sindh Prosecutor General Dr Fiaz Shah.