NCHR conference concludes with call for effective Implementation of laws, International commitments
ISLAMABAD, April 11 (EPI): With a strong call for greater accountability, improved resource allocation and collaborative measure to address systemic challenges in Pakistan’s criminal justice system, a two-day national conference titled “From Promise to Action: Advancing SDG 16 for Justice and Reform,” concluded here in Islamabad. The conference was hosted by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event brought together senior government officials, human rights experts, members of the judiciary, and civil society representatives to discuss challenges in Pakistan’s criminal justice system and identify pathways for inclusive, accountable, and rights-based reforms. The dialogue was designed to align Pakistan’s criminal justice reform agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, and its international human rights commitments and instruments like the GSP+ scheme. Discussions at the conference focused on three core components of the criminal justice system and their corresponding international obligations including Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Judicial System, and Penal System.
The speakers identified issues ranging from societal biases and discriminatory law enforcement practices to judicial delays, inadequate resources and limited access to justice for marginalized groups, that, despite multiple reform efforts, hinder the implementation of legal provisions and international commitments. They commended the government for implementing technological advancements in policing including Safe City projects in urban centres, integration of digital tools for crime prevention, investments in forensic sciences and establishing independent complaint authorities.
They recommended comprehensive legal reform to modernise law enforcement in Pakistan and suggested that a key priority should be the review and harmonisation of legislation to create consistent and rights-based policing frameworks and addressing gaps in core procedures through amendments to Section 154 (FIR registration) and Section 173 (submission of investigation reports) of the CrPC to ensure forensic and digital evidence is given appropriate weight. To enhance protection for women and children, participants proposed enforcement of Section 506 PPC (criminal intimidation), full implementation of The Anti Rape Act 2021, and income-based bail reforms under Section 496 CrPC. The need to decriminalise petty offences, such as vagrancy and beggary, and pursue civil remedies instead has also been highlighted.
Participants also emphasized the importance of tackling both structural and personnel-related challenges within the justice system. They recommended scaling up initiatives like Khidmat Marakaz in Punjab and Women and Juvenile Facilitation Centres in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Misaak Centres set up after the Jaranwala incident as well as expanding GBV courts, currently operational in select districts. Increasing judicial representation, especially for women, has been identified as a priority. Participants also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination between police investigators and public prosecutors.
They reiterated the critical importance of ensuring accountability and building public trust and described the operationalisation of Public Safety Commissions and Public Complaint Authorities, mandated under the Police Order 2002, as urgent. Community policing models, such as the Dispute Resolution Councils in KP, was highlighted as effective mechanisms for strengthening community engagement. Participants also recommended clear survivor feedback mechanisms and nationwide awareness campaigns on laws such as the Anti-Rape Act 2021, PECA 2016, and the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010, to improve transparency, legal literacy, and public confidence in justice sector institutions.
Participants widely recognized NCHR as a key institution for ensuring accountability and promoting systemic change. They recommended that NCHR play a leading role in monitoring emblematic cases, as it has in Jaranwala case. They have encouraged the NCHR to advocate for the elimination of discriminatory practices, such as the two-finger test which was banned by the Lahore High Court, and to push for the enforcement of progressive legal frameworks and to drive institutional accountability through public reporting, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships with other oversight bodies.
Speaking at the concluding session, Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the government has already tabled comprehensive package of criminal reforms containing 108 people-friendly amendments in the criminal procedure codes. The amendments are under discussion in National Assembly standing committee and once cleared, these amendments will be presented in Senate of Pakistan for final approval. He assured to include the recommendations of the conference in the proposed reforms. “The government is committed to reach out to the most vulnerable section of the society. It is Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s top most priority.”
In key note address, Justice Supreme Court Ayesha Malik presented a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by women in accessing justice. She stressed the need to work on reliable scientific data to address challenges faced by the country. She said that awareness and trainings are important but they are of no use unless these initiatives turn into improved service delivery. “The biggest challenge Pakistan face is the enforcement of policies and judicial decisions,” she said.
“Empowering the women is not just about improving the statistics or reforming the laws, its about transforming the life of every woman. It about removing disparity. It is about giving the voice to the silent sufferings and it is about ensuring that every woman, whether living in a city or a village, wakes up everyday with the promise of opportunity, safety and dignity,” said Justice Ayesha Malik.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Mohamed Yahya expressed deepest appreciation for NCHR for organising the conference. He said that the justice is not a privilege but the basic right. He said commended the progress made by Pakistan and said that challenges in law enforcement, institutional capacity and reforms could be addressed with shared vision and commitment.
Senator Sherry Rehman said that justice delivery is at the heart of any democratic system. She termed gender-based violence as a silent epidemic with only 5 per cent conviction rate and 64 per acquittal rate. She stressed the need to understand that when a woman finds a courage to report, she is crossing many red lines.
In her concluding remarks, Chairperson NCHR Rabiya Javeri Agha thanked all stakeholders. She said that the focus of the conference was clear – dismantle the barriers that prevent the most vulnerable from accessing justice. She appreciated the government for its support for the Commission. “On the basis of NCHR report, the government banned discriminatory advertisements; responding to our research, the government established mental health helpline and is working on the legislation; and responding to NCHR advocacy, 650 Indian fishermen were sent back to their country last year and 200 more were released last month,” she said.
Resident Representative UNDP Samuel Rizk said that the heart of the discussion in the conference was to foster partnership and collaborations for improving access to justice. He congratulated NCHR and ensured UNDP’s support for upcoming initiatives.
The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for sustained political will, inter-agency coordination, adequate resource allocation, and meaningful civil society engagement to translate legal promises into actionable reforms—moving Pakistan’s justice system closer to the ideals of SDG 16 and its international human rights commitments.
Ends-Exact Press International-