Access to justice to be improved in Swabi

“People mostly do not voice their issues as they are not aware of their legal rights," said a speaker at the opening ceremony of the project ‘Improving Access to Justice through streamlining Legal Aid in Swabi district’. He said that despite the presence of institutions that could provide justice or facilitate the processes, people were unaware of how best to utilise them.

The event was organised by Centre of Excellence for Rural Development, in collaboration with and financial support from USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program.

Program Manager Khalid Iqbal told participants that under the project, four legal aid desks would be set up at Legal Bar Council Swabi. At least eight lawyers, four male and same number of female, would be deputed at these desks to provide legal counselling to those seeking legal advice.

Iqbal added, legal aid clinics would also be set up in 25 villages of 11 union councils of Swabi and Topi tehsils. “The clinics would create awareness among villagers about their rights and would resolve their issues on the spot, or would refer them to legal aid desks.”

Live talk shows would also be aired on radio where experts will field questions over the phone.