EU-backed justice project marks successful completion

The European Union-funded 'Deliver Justice Project' concluded with a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday, marking five years of efforts to improve access to justice, strengthen people-centred services and advance rule of law reforms across Pakistan.

Jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and UN Women, the project operated in Islamabad, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, supporting justice and security institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.

The closing ceremony brought together representatives from the Supreme Court, the Economic Affairs Ministry, provincial justice and security institutions, civil society, media and community groups to review the project's impact and partnerships. Justice champions from K-P and Balochistan were also recognised for promoting inclusive and accessible justice services.

European Union Ambassador to Pakistan Raimundas Karoblis said the EU remained committed to supporting a more efficient, safer and accessible justice system in Pakistan, adding that the project had strengthened the justice sector in K-P and Balochistan.

The event featured testimonials from women lawyers, women police officers and community members who benefited from legal awareness, legal aid and justice services under the initiative. An interactive Impact Hub showcased the project's achievements, research findings and personal stories from across the programme areas.

Supreme Court Justice Shahid Waheed, who attended as chief guest, said justice institutions worldwide were expected not only to resolve disputes but also to ensure justice remained accessible, inclusive, transparent and responsive to society's needs. He said justice institutions in developing democracies carried an added responsibility to protect constitutional rights and reinforce public trust.