Islamabad: The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan chaired a meeting at the Supreme Court to assess the progress of the Women Facilitation Centres, a project aimed at providing women with dedicated support services within the justice system. The initial phase includes the establishment of four centres, one in each province, designed to offer guidance and assistance in a secure environment.

According to Press Information Department, attendees at the meeting included high-ranking officials such as the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Capt. (Retd) Mushtaq Ahmad, and representatives from NESPAK. The meeting also welcomed participation from architects whose designs won the All-Pakistan Women Facilitation Centre Design Competition.

The Chief Justice emphasized the completion of judicial facilitation priorities for 2025-26 and identified the creation of Women Facilitation Centres as a priority for 2026-27. These centres aim to streamline access to information and legal assistance for women, incorporating services such as legal advice, mediation, and psychosocial support. The facilities are planned to be accessible to women with disabilities and to provide spaces for child interaction.

An All Pakistan design competition, facilitated by the Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP), generated the designs for the centres. The winning designs have been shared with High Courts to tailor implementation to local needs. Consultations have concluded, and sites for the first four centres have been identified.

The Chief Justice instructed NESPAK to begin work on these centres, with a focus on timely completion and fulfillment of functional requirements. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance judicial services and ensure that access to justice respects the privacy and dignity of women.