New Rule of Law programme – Pakistan

A few months ago, we concluded an important assignment in Pakistan that aimed to lay the groundwork for a new Rule of Law programme under the EU’s Annual Action Plan 2025. This initiative was part of the EU’s broader commitment to governance, human rights, and inclusive development in Pakistan.

Why was this needed?
Pakistan faces significant challenges in upholding the rule of law. With over 2.2 million pending cases, outdated commercial laws, and widespread corruption, access to justice remains limited—especially for women and marginalized groups. These systemic issues not only affect citizens’ rights but also hinder economic growth and investor confidence.

What did we achieve?
Our team worked closely with the EU Delegation to:

• Conduct an in-depth sector analysis of Pakistan’s justice landscape, focusing on commercial law and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to improve the investment climate.
• Review the ongoing EU Rule of Law programme (2021–2025) and identify priorities for a second phase, emphasizing gender-responsive justice and policing.
• Develop a comprehensive intervention logic for the upcoming programme, including stakeholder mapping, a results-based framework, and recommendations for impactful, transformative activities.

This work sets the stage for a future programme that will not only strengthen judicial systems but also promote people-centered justice, gender equality, and economic resilience.

As we move forward, collaboration among government institutions, civil society, and development partners will be key to ensuring that justice in Pakistan is accessible, efficient, and aligned with international standards.