The Punjab Cabinet has approved the establishment of special speedy trial courts where rape and child abuse cases will be heard. The approval was given during the fifth meeting of the provincial cabinet held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore on Wednesday. As per the decision of the cabinet, the speedy trial courts legislation will soon land in the Punjab Assembly for approval. In the meeting, a briefing on the amendment of defamation law and establishment of the special court was given to the Chief Minister. The meeting was briefed that in a defamation case, the degree must be completed within 90 days and the trial within 180 days while defamation notices can be given through major newspapers, social media, and couriers.

The Punjab Cabinet also approved the amendments in the Punjab Alternate Dispute Resolution Act 2019 and the formation of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs. In the meeting, the Punjab Cabinet approved the removal of the chairman of the Drug Court Gujranwala on the complaint of misconduct. Addressing the meeting, CM Maryam Nawaz said the culture of lying and false accusations should be changed. Provincial Ministers, the Chief Secretary, the IG Police and other high officials participated in the meeting and briefed the CM on the matter.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan