The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy conducted One Day Consultative workshop on use of “Tamper Evident Bags-A Step forward to Preserve Evidence” on July 10, 2023. As many as 34 participants attended the workshop comprising representatives from the Home & Tribal Affairs Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Peshawar High Court, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Directorate of Prosecution, the District Judiciary, experts from Forensic Science Laboratory and Lawyers to discuss the existing framework for preservation of evidence in criminal cases and to examine the feasibility of using tamper evident bags for the purpose.
Ms. Farah Jamshed, Director General of the Academy, in her welcome note highlighted concept, objectives and significance of the workshop. Mr. Justice Shakeel Ahmed, hon'ble Judge, Peshawar High Court honored the inaugural session as the chief guest. He emphasized the need and significance of preservation of evidence and chain of custody in criminal cases. Dean Faculty and all Directors also attended the session.
During the brain storming session, participants were given orientation on “Existing Legal Framework: Preservation of Case Property" and the "Need for Tamper Evident Bags". The speakers at the session were, Mr. Shahzada Kaukab Farooq, PSP/Director Public Relation (CPO) and Mr. Jamal Shah Mehsud, Additional District & Sessions Judge, Charsadda, respectively.
Subsequently, participants were divided into 05 groups for deliberation on different aspects relating to the thematic areas of the workshop including need for amendments in laws/rules, challenges and the way forward.
The concluding session was presided over by DG KPJA and attended by all Directors of the Academy. Mr. Akhter Hayat Khan, Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, graced the concluding session as Chief Guest. Representatives of the Groups made presentations in the concluding session. They supported the proposal for use of Tamper Evident Bags and put forth their recommendations and suggestions. Mr Fazal Qayum Deputy Secretary Home & TAs Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa made reflections on the way forward to the recommendations.
The chief guest remarked that the recommendations would be given due consideration and every step will be taken to improve the process of preservation of evidence in order to ensure provision of justice through proper investigation.
The Chief Guest also distributed certificates amongst the participants. Later, plaques were also exchanged between Academy and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.