LocationsEU-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’ Celebrates Five Years of Impact in Pakistan
May 21, 2026
Islamabad, 21 May 2026 – The European Union (EU)-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’ concluded in Islamabad, marking five years of strengthening access to justice, improving people-centred justice services, and advancing rule of law reforms across Pakistan.
Jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the project worked across Islamabad, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to support justice and security institutions, civil society, and local communities.
The closing event brought together representatives from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, provincial justice and security institutions, civil society, media, and communities to reflect on the project’s impact and the partnerships that made it possible. Champions of justice from KP and Balochistan were also recognized for their contributions to promoting more accessible and inclusive justice services.
On the occasion, H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, said, “The EU is committed to helping Pakistan provide an improved, more efficient, safer, and more accessible justice system to its citizens. Through this project, we've been able to support the justice sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.”
The event highlighted the project’s impact through testimonials and conversations with women lawyers, women police officers, and community members who benefited from legal awareness, legal aid, and justice services under the initiative. An interactive Impact Hub showcased achievements, research, and personal stories from across the project areas.
Honourable Justice Shahid Waheed, Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan, attended the event as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he noted, “The justice sector across the world is undergoing profound transformation. Courts and justice institutions are increasingly expected not only to decide disputes, but also to deliver justice that is accessible, inclusive, efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of society. In developing democracies, particularly, justice institutions carry an even greater responsibility: to reinforce public trust, protect constitutional rights, and ensure that no individual or community is left behind."
A panel discussion on the future of the rule of law in Pakistan explored how sustained collaboration can help make justice systems more responsive, inclusive, and accessible for all. Moderated by Ms. Shahzada Ahmad, Programme Manager, UNDP Pakistan, the discussion featured insights from Judge Muhammad Amir Munir, Director General, Federal Judicial Academy; Ms. Munizae Jehangir, Senior Journalist; Mr. Muhammad Mudassar Javed, CEO, SHARP; and Ms. Huma Akhtar Chughtai, Member of the National Assembly.
“We have much to be proud of,” said Ms. Van Nguyen, Officer-in-Charge, UNDP Pakistan. “Over the past five years, the Deliver Justice project has reminded us that behind every policy reform or institutional improvement are real people – women accessing legal aid, police offers serving communities with greater confidence, and citizens better able to understand and claim their rights. Ultimately, justice matters only when people can experience it in their everyday lives with fairness, protection, and dignity. That is the true measure of progress.”
At the occasion, Mr. Troels Vester, Representative UNODC Pakistan, said, “The Deliver Justice Project (DJP) reflects what can be achieved through strong partnerships, institutional ownership, and long-term commitment to rule of law reforms. Over the past five years, the DJP has strengthened criminal justice institutions across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through legislative reforms, digital transformation, citizen-centric policing, prison modernisation, and enhanced access to justice. Most importantly, these reforms are now being sustained and institutionalised by the Government, ensuring that the impact of this partnership will continue well beyond the project lifecycle.
To highlight the link between the rule of law, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment, prison industries from KP presented handmade handicrafts, furniture, and artwork produced by inmates as part of their vocational training. The dedicated marketplace underscored how skills development can support dignity, rehabilitation, and future livelihoods.
Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, remarked: “Delivering justice means ensuring that every woman and girl, especially those facing multiple forms of discrimination, can access safe, responsive, and gender-sensitive justice services. Through this partnership, we have worked closely with institutions, communities, and women leaders to strengthen pathways to justice, amplify women’s voices, and promote accountability. The progress achieved under the Deliver Justice Project demonstrates the power of collaborative action in advancing gender equality and upholding the rights and dignity of all. The momentum should continue to serve women and girls in Pakistan.”
The 20-million-Euro Deliver Justice Project was funded by the European Union.
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About the Deliver Justice Project:
The 20 Million Euro“Deliver Justice Programme” is funded by the European Union and aims to support reform processes to ensure the delivery of people-centered justice, enhance access to justice for all, particularly women and less privileged groups, and improve service delivery of the security sector in line with constitutional safeguards and international standards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the Merged Districts and Balochistan. The programme is funded by the EU and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The UNDP Rule of Law Programme is implementing a range of interventions to enhance security and justice sector governance in Pakistan.
About UNDP:
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
Learn more at undp.org.
About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It works globally to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men.
For additional information, please contact:
• Samar Saeed Akhtar, Communication, Press and Information Officer at The European Union Delegation to Pakistan, samar-saeed.akhtar@eeas.europa.eu
• Fizza Bangash, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan, at fizza.bangash@undp.org
• Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC at rizwana.asad@un.org or 030198564255
• Erum Fareed, Communications Officer, UN Women Pakistan, at erum.fareed@unwomen.org or +92 326 8474546.
