Strengthening the War on Drugs: A Jurisprudential Analysis of Acquittals in Narcotics Cases in Pakistan

Abstract

Narcotics abuse is a pervasive international crisis, and Pakistan is no exception. Despite the existence of stringent laws, the prevalence of narcotics in the country remains a significant challenge for society as a whole. Additionally, a concerning trend in narcotics cases is the high acquittal rate. This research explores the reasons for these acquittals through a qualitative analysis of landmark higher court judgments. The study aims to uncover serious deficiencies in narcotics investigations through these judgments, where certain legal principles have been established and procedural lapses identified. The findings of this research are intended to provide a roadmap for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to enhance narcotics case building more efficiently and to improve conviction rates.