Pakistan’s CRC review was screened in Islamabad

On 16 January 2026, a joint event was organized by the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA) in collaboration with Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), UNHCR, and with the support of the European Union (EU). The event, held at the International Labour Organization (ILO) Auditorium, featured a live screening of Pakistan’s interactive dialogue with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The event brought together journalists, diplomats, civil society representatives, lawyers, child rights advocates, academics, and policy practitioners.

The CRC review highlighted Pakistan’s progress in implementing child rights, with the State Minister for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, heading Pakistan’s delegation. The event contextualized the CRC review process, emphasizing its role in assessing national compliance with international child rights obligations. The dialogue concluded with meaningful engagement and constructive discussion, acknowledging Pakistan’s achievements and reaffirming the country’s commitment to continuous improvement.

During the event, Mr. Adil Anwar, Director General of LAJA, addressed participants and outlined the Authority’s mandate, institutional history, and recent advancements. He highlighted the formulation and notification of new legal aid rules, which have strengthened LAJA’s operational capacity and established clear mechanisms for providing legal assistance.

Special emphasis was placed on supporting underprivileged and vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, in cases involving sexual and gender-based violence. The discussions underscored the critical role of strong legal and institutional frameworks in promoting access to justice, child protection, and accountability, reaffirming LAJA’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of children and marginalized communities.