Heralding a next generation of rule of law reforms through the roadmap in Balochistan

16 December 2020 - Quetta, Pakistan: UNODC is privileged to build on its strategic partnership with the provincial Government of Balochistan through the generous support of the British High Commission, which has offered the impetus to take forward the next generation of rule of law reforms through the implementation of the Rule of Law (RoL) Roadmap in Balochistan. The Project is designed with the vision of bringing the criminal justice institutions in Balochistan at par with the global best practices.

The phenomenal progress made by the RoL Roadmap Project in the most fragile and conflict-sensitive province of Pakistan was unanimously recognized in the 4th Steering Committee stock take held in Quetta on 16 December 2020. With the PC-1 in place, the Rule of Law Roadmap received accolades of appreciation from stakeholders, acknowledging it as the flagship Project of the Government of Balochistan (Gob) that enjoys a high-level commitment by the political and administrative leadership through the allocation of PKR 300 million in the current fiscal year for its implementation.

The roadmap offers a governance platform to align the work and enhance performance of Criminal Justice Institutions through applying a results-based approach based on evidence to inform policy decisions. Driven by this concept, UNODC has offered technical support to the GoB, working in close collaboration with the Home Office in Balochistan to establish the governance structure, which comprises of the Steering Committee (SC), Delivery Unit (DU) and the Technical Working Groups (TWGs). This ensures robust management of interdependencies amongst CJIs through cultivating a collaborative mindset for policymaking and interdepartmental cooperation to deliver efficient and effective services to citizens.

UNODC’s Representative, Jeremy Milsom appreciated the momentum and urged the stakeholders, through the platform of the Steering Committee, to continue maintaining a forward-looking approach to deliver this exemplary project which has been a source of learning for other provincial rule of law roadmap chapters. Mr. Ziaullah Langove, Minister Home & Tribal Affairs, reiterated the commitment of the GoB in making the rule of law reforms meaningful and sustainable.

The findings of the impact survey on citizens’ perception and baseline data were presented during the meeting. They provide a yardstick for criminal justice institutions to measure their performance and progress against the RoL roadmap’s provincial targets.

In short, the Rule of Law Roadmap has made tremendous strides and with the successful conclusion of the 4th stock taking and realization of PC1, the seeds are planted for setting the course of the criminal justice sector along a transformative journey of evidence-led policymaking and service delivery.