Juvenile justice system of Pakistan

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of Pakistan's juvenile justice system, highlighting its evolution, legislative reforms, and challenges. Legislative reforms aimed at aligning national laws with international standards, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, have shaped the system significantly. The enactment of the Juvenile Justice System Ordinance in 2000 marked a pivotal shift towards prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, introducing specialized juvenile courts and diversionary strategies. Critical components like legal counsel, presumption of innocence, and the child's best interests are explored, along with adopting restorative justice techniques. Challenges include implementation issues, resource constraints, and disparities in access to justice, particularly for underprivileged juveniles. Continuous evaluation and monitoring are crucial to ensure the system's effectiveness.