As part of the SHARP-Women Capacity-Building Programme for Young Women Lawyers on Human Rights, Gender-Responsive Justice and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Day 4 took the participating young women lawyers beyond the classroom through a series of meaningful exposure visits to key institutions of Pakistan’s justice and protection systems in Islamabad.
The day began with a visit to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, providing participants with an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the country’s highest judicial forum, its role in upholding the rule of law, and the functioning of the justice system. The visit offered an inspiring professional experience for young women lawyers as they continue their journey towards advancing human rights, access to justice and gender-responsive legal practice.
The participants then visited the National Forensic Agency (NFA), Islamabad, where they gained practical insights into the critical role of forensic science in criminal investigations and evidence-based justice.
Mr. Muhammad Rashad Bhatti, Director Criminalistics, NFA, delivered a detailed briefing on the Agency’s Digital Forensics Units, covering:
🔹 Mobile Forensics
🔹 Computer Forensics
🔹 Image/Video Forensics
🔹 Network Forensics
Participants also learned about Chemical & Biological Forensics, including Toxicology, Histopathology, Serology, DNA and Narcotics. An engaging Q&A session enabled the women lawyers to interact with NFA experts and explore the relevance of forensic evidence to investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings.
The visit further included a practical demonstration through a mock crime scene and an opportunity to explore the NFA’s digital forensics facilities, helping participants connect their legal knowledge with real-world forensic investigation and evidence handling.
The final exposure visit of the day was to the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH), Islamabad. Mr. Waqar Malik, Certified Trainer on Anti-Harassment Laws, provided an informative briefing on the legal framework governing workplace harassment, including the definition of harassment under Section 2(h) of the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, as amended in 2022.
The session explored gender-based discrimination, prejudicial conduct and other forms of workplace harassment, while highlighting the importance of awareness, prevention and legal protection in creating safe and respectful professional environments.
During the visit, Ms. Fauzia Viqar, Federal Ombudsperson, commended the participating women lawyers and shared valuable guidance on workplace harassment, precautionary measures, prevention and access to justice. Participants actively engaged in the discussion, shared their perspectives and explored practical challenges surrounding workplace harassment and protection mechanisms.
Day 4 demonstrated that effective legal advocacy extends beyond the courtroom — from the highest judicial forum and forensic laboratories to institutional mechanisms for workplace protection. These exposure visits equipped young women lawyers with practical knowledge, broader professional perspectives and a deeper understanding of how different institutions contribute to justice, protection and the rule of law.
Stronger Women. Evidence-Based Justice. Safer Workplaces.
