Supreme Court establishes legal aid cell for deserving litigants

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has established a Legal Aid Cell at its Public Facilitation Centre (PFC) to help deserving litigants obtain guidance and access appropriate legal assistance.

The facility, launched on Monday, is intended to make it easier for people seeking to pursue or defend their legal rights. A dedicated legal assistant has been appointed to guide eligible individuals towards the relevant legal support, according to Shumaila Naz of the Judicial Reforms Initiative.

Naz said the initiative would strengthen the services already available at the Public Facilitation Centre and make access to justice more convenient for citizens.

The centre operates as a one-window facility, enabling litigants and visitors to obtain assistance without having to approach different departments of the Supreme Court individually. It coordinates with the relevant branches to help people access the services they need.

The newly established Legal Aid Cell will provide an additional channel for individuals who require legal guidance but may face difficulties understanding court procedures or identifying the appropriate offices.

Naz said access to justice involved more than simply appearing before a court. Citizens also needed clear information about legal procedures, case status and the departments responsible for handling their concerns.

The initiative is part of the Supreme Court’s broader efforts to improve public access through administrative reforms and digital services.

According to Naz, nearly 20 services are available online through the PFC portal on the Supreme Court’s official website. These facilities allow citizens to access various services without having to visit the court premises.

The court has also introduced a helpline, 1818, through which members of the public can obtain information about their cases, seek assistance with online services and raise administrative queries.

The Legal Aid Cell, online portal, helpline and Public Facilitation Centre are designed to work together to make court services more accessible and responsive to public needs.

Naz said the objective was to reduce the difficulties citizens face when navigating the judicial system, particularly when they are unsure which department to approach or whom to contact for assistance.

The initiative aims to organise legal guidance, administrative support and technology-based services around the needs of litigants, helping them obtain relevant information and assistance with fewer procedural hurdles.