Criminal Justice

Systems of criminal justice in Pakistan are diverse, ranging from informal dispute resolution using customary reasoning, to formal adjudication based on common law principles. Access to justice and legitimate dispute resolution are fundamental to the stability of Pakistan, directing personal and political grievances into peaceful channels and improving trust between citizen and state. Perceptions of corruption have frequently contributed to government instability in Pakistan. The prison system is a critical component of the criminal justice system in Pakistan, a particular cause for concern is the exceptionally high level of under-trial prisoners.

Programme Deliverables
UNODC's Sub-programme 2 is careful in selecting targets for intervention within the broad criminal justice landscape; and it is bold in aiming to transform these centres of influence in pursuit of wide-ranging impacts. The focus is on fundamental components of the processes that obtain and implement justice, including law enforcement agencies, prosecution and prison services.

In policing, this sub-programme supports the development of central management capacities, for example in human resources, training approaches and crime data collection. A primary area for attention is crime scene management and forensic capacities. To turn investigations into timely and appropriate sanctions, UNODC will assist Pakistan's provincial and specialised prosecution services. Recognising that prisoner rehabilitation is crucial to achieve justice, Sub-programme 2 provides advice to Pakistan's prison managers, updates to the regulatory framework and training for key staff.

Finally, this sub-programme implements UNODC's responsibility under the Convention Against Corruption. Corruption detection and case management form the core of work, including inter-agency cooperation. Simultaneously, Pakistan's anti-corruption agencies will be supported to advocate internationally and domestically, backed by evidence drawn from  research.

Based on analysis of the criminal justice system in Pakistan, Sub-programme 2 will contribute to four outcomes through the delivery of eighteen key outputs.