Islamabad (GNP): Under the European Union (EU) funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched Pakistan’s first Rule of Law Forum. Taking a forward-looking approach, the Forum explored emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape how people experience justice in Pakistan.
The Forum brought together representatives from the judiciary, government institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, development partners, activists, and policy experts to deliberate on this year’s themes: Climate Justice, Commercial Justice, and the transformational role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in justice.
Hon’ble Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Supreme Court of Pakistan, attended the event as Chief Guest, taking the opportunity to highlight, “Justice cannot remain static in a rapidly changing world. Our responsibility is to ensure that the justice system evolves with the needs of the people it serves. At the Supreme Court of Pakistan, we are pursuing transformative reforms that strengthen institutional resilience, enhance public confidence, and place people at the very center of justice.”
The Forum opened with a panel discussion titled “No Justice without Climate Justice,” moderated by Shahzada Ahmad, Programme Manager, Rule of Law Programme, UNDP Pakistan. The discussion explored Pakistan’s climate litigation journey. Panelists Barrister Zunaira Fayyaz, Climate Governance and Policy Advisor; Sibah Farooq, Climate Justice Attorney; and Granaz Hoath, Psychologist and Climate Change Activist from Balochistan, reflected on the evolving legal landscape surrounding climate accountability and environmental rights.
This was followed by a high-level roundtable discussion between members of the judiciary and representatives from the private sector on commercial justice and its role in enabling sustainable economic growth. Chaired by Hon’ble Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan, the session reflected the growing importance of commercial justice as Pakistan continues to strengthen reforms aligned with the European Union’s GSP+ framework.
Dr. Sébastien Lorion, Acting Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the EU to Pakistan, took this opportunity to highlight, “Today’s Rule of Law Forum is the final event of the fully EU financed ‘Deliver Justice Project’ which began over 5 years ago. The topics under discussion today are important as they affect the citizens of Pakistan and impact the quality of their daily lives, be it from climate change, economic development or artificial intelligence. The discussions have been insightful and while highlighting the many challenges ahead, they also presented many opportunities for change. Through our current and future EU support to the Rule of Law and human rights programmes, we will continue to work with the Federal and provincial judiciaries and the executives, the criminal justice authorities, Bar Associations and Civil Society Organisations to help provide a more secure and people-centred ecosystem of the justice sector.”
In his remarks, Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, shared UNDP’s aspirations for the platform. “This Forum looks outward and forward, asking the difficult questions about how justice will be experienced in Pakistan.
In the years ahead, we hope it becomes a shared space, a compass for justice institutions, activists, and innovators navigating toward a more equal future. Responsive justice institutions are how we make sure no one is left behind, or left aggrieved.” Dr. Rizk thanked the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the European Union for their continued partnership in advancing a justice system that is more inclusive, responsive, and people-centered.
The Forum also examined the rise of AI in the justice sector, particularly in light of the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s recent guidelines on its responsible use.
Moderated by policy expert and columnist Fasi Zaka, the discussion 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, atomcamp; and Jamal Aziz, Executive Director, Research Society of International Law. The panel discussed how AI can strengthen access to justice, improve judicial efficiency and support decision-making, while underscoring the importance of ethical safeguards, transparency and human oversight.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
