Islamabad: Justice Project Pakistan and the Legal Aid and Justice Authority have initiated a training program aimed at improving legal aid for women detained under drug laws. According to Press Information Department, the Digital Legal Aid Pilot for Women Incarcerated under Drug Offences was launched in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, targeting the provision of gender-responsive legal assistance to women awaiting trial.

The pilot program, which commenced with a training session on Thursday, focuses on equipping lawyers with skills necessary for effective legal representation. Mr. Adil Anwar, Director General of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority, highlighted the program’s intention to transition from ad hoc legal aid to a more structured and accountable system, enhancing the quality of defense and public confidence in the justice system.

Women detained under drug laws in Pakistan often face hardships due to poverty, coercion, or dependent relationships, with many being first-time or low-level offenders. The training, led by Justice Project Pakistan, covers harm reduction principles, trauma-informed interaction, and strategies for bail and mitigation, alongside adherence to international standards like the Bangkok Rules.

Ayesha Saleem from Justice Project Pakistan emphasized the importance of understanding clients’ realities to advocate for fair outcomes. The initiative includes monitoring case outcomes through Vakeel Online, a digital platform tracking lawyer-client interactions, marking the first systematic measurement of legal aid for these cases in Pakistan.

This initial training session is part of a larger series planned to support women currently waiting in detention, marking a significant step toward addressing their legal needs.