Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has directed the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) to start work on establishing Women Facilitation Centres in courts across the country. The first phase envisages four centres, one in each province, with centres in the provinces and Islamabad a priority for 2026-27.

The chief justice reviewed progress on Thursday at the Supreme Court, as chairman of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the commission's secretary, Captain (retired) Mushtaq Ahmad, representatives of the high courts, architects and NESPAK officials.

One-window help for women litigants

The centres will act as one-window facilities, giving women guidance and support in a safe and accessible environment. They will include reception and guidance desks, waiting areas, hygienic washrooms, private consultation rooms, legal assistance, and space for mediation and alternative dispute resolution. They will also provide psychosocial support and referral services, accessible entrances and ramps for women with disabilities, and space for interaction with children. The aim is to tackle the practical barriers women face in using the justice system.

Designs ready and sites identified

An All-Pakistan design competition was held under the Institute of Architects Pakistan, and the three winning designs were shared with all high courts to be adapted to local requirements. Consultations with the high courts are complete and space has been identified for the first four centres. NESPAK and the institute's Islamabad-Rawalpindi chapter will coordinate design and implementation with the high courts. Justice Afridi said facilitation priorities for 2025-26 had included uninterrupted electricity, e-libraries with internet, clean drinking water and women-centric facilities, which had been provided to courts and bar associations across Pakistan, including Islamabad.

Sources: Associated Press of Pakistan, via Tez Khabar, The News