In continuation of its training program on Gender Based Violence Laws (GBV), the Punjab Judicial Academy organized second Workshop w.e.f 25th-27thJuly 2019. Twenty-nine Judicial Officers from all the provinces in Pakistan and Islamabad attended the workshop.
The objective of the Program is to promote awareness about Gender Based Violence Laws and Procedures to enable the participants to efficiently preside over the GBV-Courts.
Inaugural Ceremony
In the opening ceremony of the second workshop, Hon’ble Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan, Lahore High Court Lahore graced the Occasion as Chief Guest. Mr. Abdul Sattar, Director General Punjab Judicial Academy welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Justice, Hon’ble Dr. Robyn Ann Layton Judge Supreme Court of South Australia, other distinguished guests & members of ADB team. The need of Gender Sensitivity in courts was highlighted in the introductory remarks, by the Director General.
Training Sessions
ADB Team including Dr. Robyn Ann Layton, Ms. Zarizana Abdul Aziz, Ms. Saima Amin Khawaja, Ms. Humaira Masihuddin & Ms. Samar Minallah discussed and shared responses, strategies and support mechanism with the trainees to learn how to reduce and respond to the incidents of GBV. The trainers imparted training on Gender Sensitization, Treatment of GBV offences-International, National, Religious & Customary context and Adjudication & Acquittal in GBV cases.
Concluding Ceremony
The Concluding Ceremony of the second workshop was a grand event as Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa conferred dignity with his presence. Hon’ble Mr.Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan,Hon’ble Chief Justice Mr. Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan,Lahore High Court Lahore, Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan(Dr.Muhammad Raheem Awan),Pakistan Country Director (Ms.Xiaohong Yang) ADB and other distinguished guests graced the occasion as guest speakers.
The Ceremony started with the Recitation of Holy Quran. Mr. Abdul Sattar, Director General Punjab Judicial Academy in his opening remarks welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Guest(Chief Justice of Pakistan), Hon’ble Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Hon’ble Chief Justice LHC and other dignitaries . He shared the concept of GBV in the Pakistani Context. He also reflected upon the background of GBV training initiatives and role of PJA in that pilot project.
Ms. Xiaohong Yang, Pakistan Country Director, ADB explained about infrastructural developments and institutional reforms. She also expressed her thanks to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan for granting approval of the program.She also expressed her gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Justice LHC and the PJA for arranging this program.
Dr. Muhammad Raheem Awan, Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan put across the background efforts & linkage of Law & Justice Commission with ADB Team for putting suggestions before National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee and getting approval from NJPMC for their implementations.
Ms. Irum Ahsan, Team Leader, ADB talked about the establishment of ADB and journey of GBV Courts .She narrated the brief history and functions of ADB and its initiatives in Pakistan.
Hon’ble Chief Justice Lahore High Court welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan as Chief Guest and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, in the Punjab Judicial Academy and showed his pleasure on successful completion of training on the subject.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan in his address, explained about the background when first GBV court was set up in the Sessions Courts Lahore premises at Lahore and highlighted the vision for providing the litigants an atmosphere to feel secure. He also spoke about the need of training for all stakeholders including prosecutors of GBV courts. He emphasized the participant/Judges that success in the court depends on their performance.
Hon’ble Chief Guest, Mr. Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, in his keynote address on the occasion said that sensitization of the judges and fairness in procedure for both genders is necessary and courts should be efficient. He said that key to success is will, vision and determination. He commended the sincere efforts of the ADB Team for imparting training on the subject. His Lordship also appreciated the D.G Punjab Judicial Academy for organizing this program.
At the end, souvenirs were presented to the distinguished guests and certificates were awarded to the participants of workshop by the Hon’ble Chief Guest.
The Director General PJA expressed his gratitude and honor to the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan and Hon’ble Chief Justice LHC for sparing their precious time for gracing the program and also thanked all the respected guests for their participation.
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