EU-Funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’ marks five years of strengthening rule of law in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) The European Union-funded Deliver Justice Project concluded here after five years of impactful work to strengthen access to justice, improve people-centred justice services, and advance rule of law reforms across Pakistan.

The initiative was jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and United Nations Women, with operations in Islamabad, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The closing ceremony brought together representatives of national and provincial justice institutions, civil society, media and community leaders to reflect on the achievements and partnerships that shaped the project’s success. Champions of justice from KP and Balochistan were also acknowledged for their contributions to promoting inclusive justice.

Speaking at the event, Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting justice reforms. “Through this project, we've been able to support the justice sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he said, emphasizing the importance of accessible and efficient justice systems.

Attendees heard testimonies from women lawyers, women police officers, and community members who benefited from the project’s legal aid, awareness initiatives and justice services. An interactive Impact Hub displayed research, achievements and personal stories highlighting the transformative effects of the programme.

Honourable Justice, Shahid Waheed, serving as Chief Guest, noted that justice institutions worldwide were undergoing major transitions. He stressed that courts must now ensure justice that was accessible, inclusive, transparent and responsive to societal needs, particularly in developing democracies where public trust and constitutional rights must be upheld.

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A panel discussion on the future of the rule of law in Pakistan featured insights from Judge Muhammad Amir Munir, Director of the Federal Judicial Academy; senior journalist Munizae Jehangir; SHARP CEO Muhammad Mudassar Javed; and Member of National Assembly Huma Akhtar Chughtai. Moderated by Shahzada Ahmad of UNDP Pakistan, the discussion explored how sustained collaboration can make justice systems more responsive and equitable.

Reflecting on the project’s overall impact, Van Nguyen said the initiative reaffirmed that real progress was measured by people experiencing justice in their daily lives “with fairness, protection and dignity.”

From UNODC Pakistan, Troels Vester, highlighted how the project strengthened criminal justice institutions through legislative reforms, digital transformation, citizen-centric policing, prison modernization and improved access to justice. He noted that many of these reforms were now being sustained by government institutions.

Showcasing the link between rule of law, rehabilitation and economic inclusion, inmates from KP displayed handicrafts, furniture and artwork produced through prison industries — demonstrating how skill development supports dignity and reintegration.

Jamshed M. Kazi emphasized the project’s role in expanding gender-sensitive justice services. He said the progress achieved showed the power of collaboration in advancing gender equality and ensuring women and girls can access their rights.

Funded with 20 million Euros, the Deliver Justice Project supported reforms to promote people-centred justice, enhance access for women and marginalized groups, and strengthen the security sector in line with constitutional protections and international standards.