With European Union (EU) support, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government organized the first-ever dialogue on the KP Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 – 2028), reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice for all. The roadmap outlines key priorities to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice in KP, including the merged districts.
Stated in a press release on Friday that organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the EU-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, the dialogue brought together key justice and security stakeholders from the KP government, the KP judiciary, prosecution, law enforcement, and prison services as well as legal practitioners and civil society.
The EU Delegation, and the ‘Deliver Justice Project’ implementing partners – UNDP, UN Women, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – equally reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the justice and security sector in KP and aligning their assistance to the provincial roadmap.
On this occasion, Dr. Riina Kionka, EU Ambassador to Pakistan, repledged the EU’s support to justice sector reforms to ensure people-centered justice, particularly for women and less privileged groups. She noted that ‘the Rule of Law Roadmap is an important milestone to guide joint efforts,’ and encouraged authorities to accelerate the rate of implementation of the roadmap. Dr. Kionka further highlighted the importance of coordination across and between the different authorities involved in implementing the roadmap reiterating the slogan of the EU in Pakistan, ‘We are stronger together.’
Led by the KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department (HTAD),the event featured a dynamic panel discussion, “Joining forces to strengthen the rule of law and justice in KP.” Panelists shared insights on collaborative efforts to improve access to justice, with a focus on empowering women and marginalized groups.
Mr. Abdul Khaliq, Special Secretary, Planning and Development Department, KP, highlighted the urgency of implementing the KP Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 -2028), stating, “The Provincial Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the rule of law institutions, enhancing their performance, and ensuring justice for all. We firmly believe that economic growth, poverty eradication, and the overall development of our province are only possible when justice prevails, and institutions operate with integrity and efficiency.”
UNDP, in partnership with UN Women and UNODC, under the EU-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project,’ provided technical support in the development of the second iteration of the KP Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 – 2028). A people-centered approach guided its formulation, ensuring inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of the communities it serves. It was driven by extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including communities from the merged districts, civil society organizations, alliances working to end violence against women and girls (EVAWG Alliances), and criminal justice institutions.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, highlighted the roadmap’s importance in strengthening rule of law, particularly in the merged districts. “For the first time, the KP Rule of Law Roadmap provides a structured approach to addressing justice and security challenges in the merged districts. It will help us expand access to justice, strengthen legal protections, and ensure institutions are more responsive to the needs of local communities. These are the cornerstones of sustainable development in KP.” He also acknowledged UNDP’s strong partnership with the KP Government, the EU, UN Women, and UNODC in advancing this critical initiative.
As part of this consultation, a roundtable with women professionals from KP’s justice and security sectors highlighted their experiences and challenges in advancing fair and accessible justice. The discussion focused on progress under the Roadmap as well as the “Deliver Justice Project” in creating safer environments for marginalized groups.
Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan underlined the targeted efforts made under the Roadmap and the ‘Deliver Justice Project’ to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for women and other marginalized individuals. He said, “Integrating gender equality into every aspect of the framework isn’t just progress—it’s a promise. By strengthening the rule of law institutions to be more gender-responsive and inclusive, we are laying the foundation for justice that safeguards the rights of all, especially women, survivors, and vulnerable groups.”
