Advocates are the lifeblood of the court system, serving as the front-line representatives for clients seeking justice. As legal experts with deep knowledge of the law, advocates play a critical role in ensuring that the court system functions fairly and efficiently. From representing clients in court to providing legal advice and support, advocates are the glue that holds the justice system together The role of advocates in the court system extends beyond just representing clients and providing legal advice. They are also responsible for upholding the integrity of the legal system, by ensuring that the rules and procedures of the court are followed and that justice is served for all. However, the profession faces several challenges that threaten its future.
The recent Bar Council and Association elections in KP Pakistan have brought new faces to the forefront of the legal community. With Zar badshah as Vice Chairman, Syed Mubashir Shah as Chairman executive of the KP bar Council, Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil, Noor Badshah Toru and Qamar Zaman Khan winning the President seats of the Peshawar, Mardan and Takht Bhai Bars respectively, the expectations of the advocates are high. As the newly elected cabinet takes on the responsibility of running the Bars, their main task will be to come up with a plan for the betterment of the Bar and its advocates. The Bar has long been plagued with issues, including the lack of a proper law or plan for the security and protection of lawyers, the chaotic environment and Taoticism, lack of training for new law students, no seminar on new laws, insufficient office space, and no financial support for junior lawyers.
One of the most significant threats to lawyers in Pakistan is violence. In recent years, several high-profile attacks on lawyers have occurred in the country, particularly those who take on cases against powerful individuals or entities or represent marginalized communities. In 2016, a terrorist attack on the government hospital in Quetta killed over 70 people, including more than 50 lawyers who had gathered there to mourn the death of a colleague. Moreover, according to a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, there were over 4,000 cases of attacks on lawyers and judges between 2000 and 2018.
The lack of resources is another significant challenge faced by lawyers in Pakistan, particularly those working in rural areas. According to a report by the World Justice Project, only 20% of the population in Pakistan has access to legal services, and there are only 11 lawyers per 100,000 people. Many lawyers lack access to basic tools such as computers and legal databases, making it challenging for them to provide quality legal services to their clients. This lack of resources can be particularly challenging for junior lawyers who are just starting their careers.
Moreover, junior lawyers in Pakistan face a range of additional challenges. For example, they may struggle to find employment due to the limited availability of entry-level positions in law firms. According to a survey by the Pakistan Bar Council, only 25% of law graduates in the country are employed as lawyers. Junior lawyers may also struggle to gain experience and build their networks, which are critical for career development in the legal profession. In addition, the lack of training for new law students and junior lawyers is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. The world is advancing, and new laws are being implemented; hence, the juniors need proper training to use and implement these laws.
Another crucial issue is the lack of office space for junior lawyers, which has been raised on various occasions. Moreover, junior lawyers often work free for many years, making it difficult to sustain in this profession. The new cabinets must solve these issues to ensure that the legal community thrives.
Now what has been done, here are a few suggestions that will help the Council and the Bar Association, such as (1) Legal Aid Programs, Given the lack of resources and access to legal services in Pakistan, there is a significant opportunity to establish legal aid programs that provide free or low-cost legal services to individuals and communities in need. (2) Professional Development Workshops: To address the lack of training and networking opportunities for junior lawyers in Pakistan, there is an opportunity to establish professional development workshops and seminars that provide practical skills training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. (3) Advocacy and Lobbying: Lawyers and legal professionals in Pakistan could form advocacy groups and lobby the government and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing the legal profession. This could involve advocating for changes to laws and policies that impact lawyers and their clients, as well as lobbying for increased funding for legal aid programs and other initiatives that support the legal profession. (4) Technology and Innovation: Given the limited access to resources and technology in many parts of Pakistan, there is an opportunity to explore innovative solutions to improve access to legal services. This could involve developing online legal databases and resources, creating mobile legal clinics that can travel to remote areas, or leveraging new technologies like artificial intelligence to improve legal research and analysis. (5) International Partnerships and Exchange Programs: Pakistani lawyers and legal professionals could benefit from international partnerships and exchange programs that provide opportunities for training, networking, and professional development. This could involve partnerships with law schools and legal organizations in other countries, as well as exchange programs that allow Pakistani lawyers to gain international experience and exposure to different legal systems.
In conclusion, advocates play a vital role in ensuring the fairness and efficiency of the court system. However, the legal profession in Pakistan faces numerous challenges, including violence, lack of resources, and limited training and networking opportunities for junior lawyers. The recent Bar elections in KP Pakistan have brought new faces to the forefront of the legal community, and the newly elected cabinet has a significant responsibility to address these challenges and come up with a plan for the betterment of the Bar and its advocates. Legal aid programs, professional development workshops, advocacy and lobbying, technology and innovation, and international partnerships and exchange programs are some of the opportunities that can help the legal community thrive in Pakistan. By addressing these challenges and embracing these opportunities, the legal community can strengthen its position and better serve the people of Pakistan.