chambers of justice
The nation’s justice system is undeniably in crisis, with a staggering backlog of over 2.26 million cases, painting a grim picture of the judicial system that is overwhelmed and underperforming with an annual growth rate of 18 per cent in case pendency at the Supreme Court. It is saddening to see Pakistan on 0.38 on the World Justice Project’s rule-of-law index (significantly below the global average of 0.56) and ranked 125th out of 142 countries.
The Legal Aid Society (LAS) was founded in 2013 by Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, former Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and former Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, with aims to extend access to justice beyond prisons, addressing the barriers faced by marginalised and underprivileged populations and ensuring justice is accessible to everyone. LAS now emerges as a symbol of hope for vulnerable and marginalised communities in Pakistan, striving to make justice accessible for all.
In this regard You! talks to Amal Iqbal, Programme Delivery Associate (LAS) and a human rights activist. She highlights the meaningful role her organisation is playing in creating a just society, especially for women from marginalised sections of the society. Read on…
What’s the motto of your organisation?
Ours is a not-for-profit organisation that has a mission to connect vulnerable and disempowered end users of justice with effective and expedient services for the delivery of justice and access to fundamental rights.
Tell us about some of your most defining projects?
Over the past decade, LAS has significantly expanded its geographical reach and impact. Operating in 20 judicial districts across Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory, LAS has become a prominent force in advancing legal empowerment in Pakistan. Through its flagship project, the Sindh Legal Advisory Call Centre, LAS has provided legal advice to approximately 430,000 callers from over 450 cities and villages across the country. This initiative has proven crucial in delivering timely and accessible legal assistance to citizens throughout Pakistan. It has also provided direct legal aid to 2000+ beneficiaries through litigation.
What is your mechanism of creating awareness among masses?
In the past year alone, LAS engaged with over 25,400 individuals in Sindh through community awareness sessions. These sessions addressed critical topics such as the rights of religiously marginalised communities, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, women’s rights to legal and marital property, sexual and gender-based violence, and the importance of civil documentation. By tackling these issues, LAS fosters greater understanding and empowers individuals to assert their rights.
What is the working mode of your organisation?
LAS employs the globally-tested NAMATI approach - Know the Law, Use the Law, and Shape the Law - a comprehensive framework for advancing legal empowerment and reform. ‘Know the Law’ focuses on improving access to legal information and advice, equipping communities with knowledge about their rights and available resources. ‘Use the Law’ involves offering practical support and representation to help individuals navigate legal systems and advocate for their rights. ‘Shape the Law’ aims to influence legal and policy changes, build the capacity of legal professionals, and promote legislative reforms to enhance justice systems and address systemic issues. By integrating education, advocacy, and reform, LAS is trying to create a more equitable and accessible legal environment.
Can you shed light on some of the reforms made by LAS?
LAS’s efforts also extend to improving policy reforms that expedite access to justice for survivors and victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) which is reflected in the Sexual Violence Response Frameworks developed by LAS in collaboration with Sindh provincial and federal governments. These frameworks functioned as a compendium of actions for the state to improve its response to the cases of SGBV. LAS has played a pivotal role in promoting alternative dispute resolution in Pakistan. The Musaliha International Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (MICADR) in Karachi, established with LAS’s support, is recognised as Pakistan’s first private (Alternative Dispute Resolution) ADR centre by the Government of Pakistan and Superior Courts, including the Sindh and Islamabad High Courts.
How has been the impact so far?
The true impact of LAS goes far beyond statistics; it’s found in the personal stories of individuals whose lives have been changed by their efforts. These real-life accounts illustrate the meaningful difference LAS makes for marginalised communities and drive the organisation to continue its vital work. Here are some of our interventions:
In Karachi, Lal faced exploitative lending practices and was coerced into issuing a cheque that led to legal trouble. With LAS’s intervention, he received crucial support, including bail, addressing the financial injustice he endured. In Sukkur, Pehlad, unable to afford legal representation, sought assistance from LAS, resulting in a successful separation order and highlighting the accessibility of justice for those in financial hardship.
Shahid’s case set a landmark precedent in Pakistan when he received compensation for mental trauma following an unjust termination, establishing emotional distress as valid grounds for damages. Jannat from Sukkur resolved her marital conflict through alternative dispute resolution, avoiding costly litigation and achieving a peaceful settlement with her husband.
What significant role has LAS played in achieving women’s rights advocacy?
The real-life stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by LAS’s efforts highlight the tangible impact of its work. In women’s rights advocacy, LAS has achieved significant victories. Sadia from Larkana secured legal separation and recovered her dowry after enduring abuse. Gafur, from an economically disadvantaged background, obtained maintenance for her children through legal advocacy, prompting her husband to fulfill his responsibilities. Arisha’s case in East Karachi concluded with a favourable judgment granting her khula, maintenance, and the retrieval of her dowry articles, overcoming prolonged legal delays.
LAS has also provided critical assistance in navigating administrative challenges. Khatoon, a widow with six children, overcame significant obstacles to secure her family pension, while Mr Ghulam Sarwar resolved errors in his CNIC with LAS’s guidance, ensuring access to essential services.
The flame of justice kindled by LAS illuminates the path towards a more just and inclusive society for all Pakistanis, proving that even in the darkest of times, there is hope. As Pakistan continues to struggle with a strained justice system, LAS’s initiatives serve as a powerful reminder of the significant difference that dedicated, holistic approaches can make.