Pakistan has taken a significant step toward building a more responsive and future-ready justice system with the launch of the country’s first Rule of Law Forum, introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the European Union (EU)-funded Deliver Justice Project.
The landmark forum brought together senior members of the judiciary, government officials, civil society organizations, legal experts, academics, private sector representatives, development partners, and policy specialists to discuss how Pakistan’s justice system can evolve to meet emerging national and global challenges.
Justice System Must Evolve with Changing Times
Serving as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar of the Supreme Court of Pakistan emphasized the importance of adapting the justice system to meet modern-day challenges.
He noted that justice cannot remain static in a rapidly changing world and highlighted the Supreme Court’s commitment to reforms that strengthen institutional resilience, increase public trust, and place citizens at the center of judicial services.
His remarks reinforced Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its legal institutions while ensuring equal access to justice for all.
Climate Justice Takes Center Stage
The Forum opened with an engaging panel discussion titled “No Justice without Climate Justice,” moderated by Shahzada Ahmad, Programme Manager of the Rule of Law Programme at UNDP Pakistan.
The discussion explored Pakistan’s evolving climate litigation landscape and the growing importance of environmental rights.
Panelists included:
- Barrister Zunaira Fayyaz – Climate Governance and Policy Advisor
- Sibah Farooq – Climate Justice Attorney
- Granaz Hoath – Psychologist and Climate Change Activist from Balochistan
The speakers examined how legal systems must address climate accountability while protecting vulnerable communities increasingly affected by climate change.
The session also highlighted the need for stronger environmental governance and more effective legal mechanisms to respond to climate-related disputes.
Commercial Justice Key to Sustainable Economic Growth
Another major highlight of the Forum was a high-level roundtable on Commercial Justice, chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
The discussion brought together members of the judiciary and private sector representatives to examine how an efficient commercial justice system can encourage investment, improve business confidence, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Participants also discussed Pakistan’s ongoing judicial reforms aligned with the European Union’s GSP+ framework, which supports improvements in governance, human rights, and the rule of law.
European Union Reaffirms Long-Term Support
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sébastien Lorion, Acting Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan, described the Rule of Law Forum as the concluding event of the fully EU-funded Deliver Justice Project, which has been implemented over the past five years.
He emphasized that issues such as climate change, economic development, and artificial intelligence have a direct impact on the everyday lives of Pakistani citizens.
Dr. Lorion noted that although significant challenges remain, the discussions demonstrated promising opportunities for meaningful reform. He also reaffirmed the European Union’s continued support for Pakistan’s justice sector through future rule of law and human rights initiatives involving the judiciary, criminal justice institutions, bar associations, executive bodies, and civil society organizations.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Justice in Pakistan
Artificial Intelligence emerged as one of the Forum’s most forward-looking discussions.
Moderated by policy expert and columnist Fasi Zaka, the panel examined how AI can improve judicial efficiency, enhance access to justice, and support evidence-based decision-making while maintaining ethical standards.
The panel featured:
- Judge Muhammad Amir Munir, Director Instruction, Federal Judicial Academy
- Bushra Saeed, Director IT Governance, Risk and Compliance, National Information Technology Board
- Dr. Naveed Iftikhar, AI Strategist and Founder of atomcamp
- Jamal Aziz, Executive Director, Research Society of International Law
The discussion gained particular relevance following the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s recent guidelines on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in judicial processes.
Experts stressed that while AI offers immense opportunities to modernize legal systems, its implementation must prioritize transparency, accountability, ethical safeguards, and meaningful human oversight.
UNDP Envisions a More Inclusive and People-Centred Justice System
In his closing remarks, Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, shared the organization’s vision for the newly launched Rule of Law Forum.
He explained that the Forum is designed to become a long-term platform where justice institutions, legal professionals, innovators, and civil society can collectively address emerging challenges and shape the future of justice in Pakistan.
Dr. Rizk also expressed appreciation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the European Union for their continued partnership in strengthening a justice system that is more inclusive, responsive, and focused on the needs of citizens.
He emphasized that responsive justice institutions play a vital role in ensuring that no individual is left behind or denied access to justice.
Why the Pakistan Rule of Law Forum Matters
The launch of Pakistan’s first Rule of Law Forum represents a milestone in the country’s justice sector reforms. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and addressing emerging issues such as climate justice, commercial law, and artificial intelligence, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to building a justice system capable of responding to future challenges.
The Forum also reinforces collaboration between Pakistan, the European Union, and UNDP in promoting judicial innovation, institutional resilience, and people-centred governance.
As Pakistan continues its legal reform journey, the Rule of Law Forum is expected to become an important platform for dialogue, innovation, and policy development that supports greater access to justice and strengthens public confidence in legal institutions.
