ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting women’s rights and improving their access to justice, announcing a comprehensive gender-responsive justice reform agenda for 2026-27.
In a message issued on International Women’s Day, the Chief Justice said women of Pakistan are central to the strength and progress of our nation. Despite numerous challenges, they contribute across every sphere of economic, social, and civic life with resilience and determination. Their leadership and vision continually shape the present and the future of our country. On this International Women’s Day, we not only recognise these contributions, but also reaffirm our constitutional commitment to ensuring dignity, justice, and a safe Pakistan for all women.
He was of the view that over the years, the judiciary has taken affirmative steps to strengthen the protection of women’s rights and improve their access to justice. Efforts have been made to promote gender-sensitive adjudication through judicial education and sensitization. At the same time the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan, continues to contribute to policy reforms aimed at reviewing laws and legal processes that disproportionately affect women and other vulnerable groups. The driving force behind these initiatives is the aim to make legal processes more gender-responsive, so that our justice system becomes more welcoming for women as well as other marginalised groups.
It has been stated in his message that in order to fully prioritise the protection of women’s rights, the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) has placed gender-responsive justice at the centre of the judiciary’s reform agenda for the year 2026–27. These reforms are designed to make the justice system more accessible, responsive, and supportive for women across the country.
Gender-Responsive Justice Reform Agenda (2026–27)
Supreme Court press release revealed that the NJPMC will pursue gender-responsive justice reform agenda 2026–27 including Establishment of Women Facilitation Centers in court complexes across Pakistan to provide dedicated one-window support services for women litigants within a safe environment. Institutionalizing free legal aid and advisory services for women, in collaboration with Bar Councils, including a Legal Advisory Helpline enabling women to obtain immediate legal advice and referrals to pro bono lawyers.
Strengthening mediation and family support services within court systems to encourage amicable resolution of family disputes and reduce the emotional and financial burden of prolonged litigation. Review of family laws through the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan to enhance their gender responsiveness and ensure that legal frameworks reflect contemporary standards of fairness, dignity, and equality.
Development of a framework for use of Gender-Fair Language within the justice sector to promote respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory language in judicial proceedings, legal drafting, and institutional communication. Expansion of legal awareness and outreach initiatives aimed at improving legal literacy and enabling women, particularly those in rural and marginalized communities, to better understand and exercise their legal rights.
Through these initiatives, the NJPMC seeks to sustain a justice system that is not only fair in principle but also accessible, humane, and responsive in practice. The measure of a just society lies in the dignity, freedom, and equality it affords its women. Protecting and advancing the rights of women is, therefore, essential to the realisation of justice itself.
“Let this International Women’s Day remind us that the true strength of the rule of law is measured by how effectively it protects the most vulnerable and ensures equal opportunity for all. Justice for Women is Justice for Pakistan.”, the message concluded.
