3 July 2025, Balochistan – As part of the EU-funded Deliver Justice Project, UNODC conducted two three-day training sessions to strengthen inter-agency cooperation between prosecutors, police and levies in Balochistan. Held in Islamabad (23 to 25 June) and Karachi (30 June to 2 July 2025), the sessions aimed to improve coordination among agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases in the province.
The trainings focused on building a shared understanding of institutional roles, legal responsibilities and operational workflows. Participants explored procedural challenges in case registration, evidence collection, charge framing and trial preparation. Modules were delivered on inter-agency communication protocols, legal documentation and evidence management. The sessions emphasized the importance of early legal consultation between investigators and prosecutors to ensure stronger case outcomes. Role-play exercises and scenario analysis were used to strengthen collaborative decision-making.
These trainings are part of a broader institutional reform effort launched by UNODC under the Deliver Justice Project. In October 2024, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were jointly developed and endorsed by the Balochistan Police, Levies and Prosecution Departments in Quetta to formalize coordination between investigators and prosecutors. This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), further cementing inter-agency collaboration. Since 2022, UNODC has facilitated capacity-building workshops in Quetta, Gwadar, Naseerabad and other districts to operationalize these SOPs and promote integrated criminal justice responses.
In these training sessions, a total of 44 participants attended, including 14 female officials. This marks a notable step toward promoting gender inclusivity in the justice sector. Participants represented all three agencies, namely the Prosecution, Police and Levies, from across Balochistan. Officers from remote districts also took part and shared their unique operational challenges.
The two trainers brought diverse yet complementary expertise to the sessions. One was a former investigator with hands-on field experience and credentials as a certified master trainer in criminal investigation. The other was a senior prosecutor with extensive experience in performing the critical gatekeeping role of scrutinizing hundreds of case challans. He also served as a master trainer in prosecutorial practices.
Both sessions received positive feedback. Participants highlighted the importance of regular joint training and cross-departmental dialogue to ensure fair, efficient and rights-based criminal justice procedures. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to bridge institutional gaps through sustained capacity-building, teamwork and shared accountability. It builds on earlier milestones under the Deliver Justice Project, including the endorsement of SOPs and MoUs in Quetta.
By reinforcing these institutional linkages, UNODC continues to support the implementation of the Balochistan Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 to 2026) and the development of an integrated, effective and rights-based justice system in the province.
