Juvenile justice

Pakistan’s juvenile justice system has gone through tremendous reforms with the creation of the Juvenile Justice System Act (JJSA) of 2018. This legislation aims to protect the rights of younger offenders and align Pakistan’s laws with international standards. Many areas lack properly functioning juvenile courts and present detention centres frequently do not meet the prescribed standards. Overcrowded and hazardous conditions are commonplace, undermining the act’s rehabilitative desires. Additionally, there is a shortage of educated employees, such as judges and lawyers focusing on juveniles which complicates the system’s effectiveness.

To cope with these challenges, there needs to be a concerted attempt to ensure the effective implementation of justice reforms. This includes increasing investment for juvenile courts and detention centres, imparting specialized schooling for law enforcement and felony experts and launching public focus campaigns to teach communities the rights of juveniles and the significance of rehabilitation. While Pakistan has made strides in reforming its juvenile justice system, a lot needs to be done to translate these reforms into actual, positive change for younger offenders.

Adv Awais Bilal Daudpoto

Jacobabad