The European Union (EU)-funded Deliver Justice Project has officially concluded in Islamabad after five years of advancing access to justice, strengthening rule of law reforms, and improving people-centred justice services across Pakistan.
Jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and UN Women, the initiative played a transformative role in supporting justice and security institutions in Islamabad, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
The €20 million project focused on building inclusive, accessible, and responsive justice systems while promoting gender equality, institutional reforms, and community engagement.
Closing Ceremony Highlights Impact of Justice Sector Reforms
The project’s closing event in Islamabad brought together senior representatives from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, provincial justice and security institutions, civil society organizations, media professionals, and local communities.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Deliver Justice Project and acknowledged individuals and institutions that contributed to strengthening justice systems in Pakistan. Champions of justice from KP and Balochistan were recognized for promoting accessible and inclusive legal services in underserved communities.
The event also featured testimonials from women lawyers, women police officers, and community members who directly benefited from legal awareness campaigns, legal aid services, and institutional reforms introduced under the project.
An interactive “Impact Hub” showcased key milestones, research findings, success stories, and personal experiences from across the project’s operational regions.
European Union Reaffirms Commitment to Justice Reforms in Pakistan
Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, reaffirmed the EU’s long-term commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s justice sector.
“The EU is committed to helping Pakistan provide an improved, more efficient, safer, and more accessible justice system to its citizens. Through this project, we’ve been able to support the justice sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he said.
The Deliver Justice Project is widely regarded as one of the EU’s major contributions to institutional reform, governance, and human rights promotion in Pakistan.
Supreme Court Highlights Importance of Inclusive Justice Systems
Honourable Justice Shahid Waheed, Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, attended the event as Chief Guest and emphasized the evolving role of justice institutions in modern democracies.
He noted that justice systems today are expected not only to resolve disputes but also to ensure justice is accessible, inclusive, transparent, and responsive to societal needs.
“In developing democracies, justice institutions carry an even greater responsibility to reinforce public trust, protect constitutional rights, and ensure that no individual or community is left behind,” Justice Shahid Waheed remarked.
His comments highlighted the growing importance of judicial reforms, public trust, and citizen-centred justice systems in Pakistan.
Panel Discussion Explores Future of Rule of Law in Pakistan
A high-level panel discussion on the future of the rule of law in Pakistan was also held during the event. Experts discussed how sustained partnerships and institutional collaboration can strengthen justice delivery and make legal systems more inclusive and accessible.
Moderated by Ms. Shahzada Ahmad, Programme Manager at UNDP Pakistan, the panel featured:
- Judge Muhammad Amir Munir, Director General, Federal Judicial Academy
- Ms. Munizae Jehangir, Senior Journalist
- Mr. Muhammad Mudassar Javed, CEO, SHARP
- Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Member of the National Assembly
The discussion focused on judicial modernization, legal empowerment, gender-sensitive justice services, and improving public access to legal remedies.
UNDP Highlights Human Impact of Justice Reforms
Ms. Van Nguyen, Officer-in-Charge of UNDP Pakistan, reflected on the human impact of the Deliver Justice Project.
“Over the past five years, the Deliver Justice Project has reminded us that behind every policy reform or institutional improvement are real people — women accessing legal aid, police officers serving communities with greater confidence, and citizens better able to understand and claim their rights,” she said.
She stressed that justice can only be meaningful when ordinary people experience fairness, protection, dignity, and equal treatment in their daily lives.
UNODC Emphasizes Sustainable Institutional Reforms
Mr. Troels Vester, Representative of UNODC Pakistan, highlighted the project’s achievements in strengthening criminal justice institutions across Balochistan and KP.
According to him, the project contributed significantly to:
- Legislative reforms
- Digital transformation of justice institutions
- Citizen-centric policing initiatives
- Prison modernization
- Improved access to justice services
He emphasized that many of these reforms have now been institutionalized by the government, ensuring their sustainability beyond the project’s completion.
Prison Rehabilitation and Economic Empowerment Take Centre Stage
The event also highlighted the connection between rehabilitation, vocational training, and economic empowerment.
Prison industries from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa displayed handmade handicrafts, furniture, and artwork produced by inmates through vocational training programs supported under the project.
The dedicated marketplace demonstrated how skills development and rehabilitation initiatives can help incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives, promote dignity, and create future livelihood opportunities.
UN Women Stresses Gender-Sensitive Justice Services
Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women Pakistan, underscored the importance of ensuring that women and girls can access safe, responsive, and gender-sensitive justice systems.
“Delivering justice means ensuring that every woman and girl, especially those facing multiple forms of discrimination, can access safe, responsive, and gender-sensitive justice services,” he said.
He added that the Deliver Justice Project successfully amplified women’s voices, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and improved pathways to justice for marginalized communities.
The project also demonstrated how collaborative partnerships can advance gender equality while protecting the rights and dignity of women across Pakistan.
Deliver Justice Project Leaves Lasting Legacy in Pakistan
Over the past five years, the Deliver Justice Project has played a critical role in modernizing Pakistan’s justice sector and promoting people-centred governance.
By strengthening legal institutions, enhancing access to justice, empowering women, supporting police and prison reforms, and increasing public legal awareness, the initiative has left a lasting impact on communities across Islamabad, Balochistan, and KP.
As the project concludes, stakeholders emphasized the need to continue investing in rule of law reforms, institutional capacity building, and inclusive justice systems to ensure sustainable progress for future generations in Pakistan.
