PESHAWAR
Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Shahzad Khan Bangash inaugurated the KP Prosecution Academy (KPPA) at Mira Kachori area of Peshawar here on Thursday.
Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari, U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Director Lori Antolinez, and UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Knut Ostby were also present in the ceremony.
Director General Prosecution Department Mukhtiar Ahmad while addressing the inaugural ceremony said that Pakistan’s first of its kind KPPA was constructed at a cost of 1.9 USD, spread over 50 Kanal of land (6.25 Acres) allocated by the provincial government.
DG said KPPA is equipped with a state-of-the-art training facility, an administration block with conference and meeting halls, dedicated monitoring and research rooms, computer labs, auditoriums, libraries, and a large residential compound.
He said the academy will deliver a wide range of training to men and women prosecutors, lawyers, and other professionals.
In addition to a curriculum designed for basic and specialized training, he added that the academy is also equipped with an e-learning center to meet digital learning needs.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shahzad Khan Bangash, applauded the joint effort of the government of United States, UNDP, and Prosecution Directorate.
“Prosecution is an important component of the criminal justice chain, and it is a pre-requisite for an equitable criminal justice system. This academy will help strengthen the criminal justice system by contributing to the professional growth of present and future prosecutors and legal professionals in Pakistan,” he added.
He also extended his appreciation to the provincial government , the United States government, and UNDP in their efforts to improve prosecution services through well-trained prosecutors and legal professionals.
U.S. Embassy’s INL Director, Lori Antolinez congratulated the KP and UNDP on this important initiative and said, “These efforts pave the way for the effective and efficient delivery of justice in KP through the training of a professional cadre of prosecutors.”
She emphasized that the United States remains committed to strengthening institutions and promoting the rule of law in Pakistan.
In his address, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby highlighted that the design and construction of the academy was also informed by the needs of women prosecutors and legal professionals. “Increasing women’s representation in rule of law institutions is integral to equitable justice service delivery in Pakistan.
He said that the academy has a dedicated women’s wing with a hostel and a day care facility, and it will help more women to attend training and advance in their careers. We hope these efforts will also encourage more women to join the legal profession.
CS-KP said that the Prosecution Academy was a remarkable addition to KP rule of law institutions and will play a key role in strengthening the capacity of rule of law professionals, encouraging more women to join and advance in the legal profession, and building a well-trained legal fraternity of highly skilled women and men in the province.
