Access to justice in Pakistan has long been a luxury for the privileged and a bureaucratic nightmare for the poor. In a country where a single court hearing can cost more than a month’s wages for many, legal representation often becomes the domain of those with deep pockets or political connections. Against this backdrop, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi’s newly launched initiative for state-sponsored legal aid is not just a reform, it’s a much-needed lifeline.
Announced under the umbrella of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), the program ensures that underprivileged litigants will receive free legal representation, with lawyers being compensated up to Rs50,000 per case. From magistrate courts all the way to the Supreme Court, this initiative promises to create a rare moment of inclusivity in Pakistan’s otherwise uneven legal landscape.
The structural promise of this reform lies in its universality. Unlike previous legal aid schemes, which often remained limited to urban centres or never went beyond paper, this initiative is designed to operate nationwide. The LJCP will station senior-level representatives in every province, ensuring coordination between district bar associations and the judiciary. This grassroots-level involvement can significantly bridge the long-standing gap between courtroom rhetoric and ground realities.
But this initiative is more than just an administrative tweak. It’s a statement, one that says the state acknowledges its responsibility to provide justice not just in theory, but in practice. When CJP Afridi spoke of visiting remote districts and discovering how funds allocated for justice reform remained unused due to weak coordination, he shed light on a key issue: the problem isn’t always a lack of money, but the lack of political will and systemic follow-through. Critics may argue that Rs50,000 per case is a small price for justice and may not attract the best legal minds. But the move isn’t merely about financial incentive; it’s about building a culture of service within the legal community. When paired with Continuing Legal Education programs and bar development projects, this initiative can also uplift the quality of legal practice across Pakistan’s districts, many of which remain underserved and undertrained.
It is also heartening to see a focus on gender inclusivity and logistical support, as seen in Balochistan’s provision of scooters for female lawyers and shuttle services between courts. Such steps signal that justice reform is no longer being imagined in narrow or elitist terms. However, the road ahead isn’t without hurdles. Implementation will be key. Monitoring how funds are spent, ensuring that legal aid is accessible to the truly deserving, and insulating the process from political interference will be the real tests of this reform’s impact. The legal community must also step up, not just in courtrooms, but as watchdogs of this reform’s integrity.
In a nation where justice is often delayed and denied, this initiative has the potential to be a turning point. It recognizes a simple truth: access to legal representation shouldn’t depend on your income bracket. If implemented sincerely and transparently, this could be one of the most meaningful reforms in Pakistan’s recent judicial history.
Opinion Piece by Muhammad Jawad Rasool