With the advent of the digital age, the Qanoon-e-Shahadat faced the challenge of adapting to technology. Under Article 164, the definition of "Document" has been expanded through various amendments and judicial interpretations to include electronic records.
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 works in tandem with Qanoon-e-Shahadat, allowing electronic documents and digital signatures to be admissible as evidence, provided the procedure for their collection and preservation is lawfully followed. qanoon e shahadat in urdu pdf
The Order is divided into three main parts and comprises 163 Articles. With the advent of the digital age, the
Before 1984, the law of evidence in Pakistan was governed by the Evidence Act of 1872, drafted by Sir James Fitzjames Stephen. The 1872 Act was a masterpiece of codification that standardized English common law principles regarding evidence. The Order is divided into three main parts
However, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, a process of Islamization of laws was initiated in Pakistan. The primary objective behind promulgating the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order, 1984, was stated in its Preamble: “to bring the law of evidence in conformity with the injunctions of Islam as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.”
Despite this objective, legal scholars note that approximately 95% of the 1984 Order is a reproduction of the 1872 Act. The significant changes are primarily found in Article 3 (Interpretation) and specific clauses regarding the number and nature of witnesses (Article 17).
The Qanoon-e-Shahadat (Law of Evidence) is the backbone of the Pakistani judicial system. It determines which facts are admissible in court, how evidence should be presented, and who bears the burden of proof. For legal professionals, students, and litigants, having access to this law in their native language is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Qanoon-e-Shahadat in Urdu PDF—its importance, structure, where to find authentic copies, and how to use it effectively.