Project Summary:

The justice and detention system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face significant challenges, including overcrowded facilities, limited access to legal aid, inadequate psychosocial support, and gaps in the implementation of fair trial standards. These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as women, juveniles, persons with disabilities, refugees, and other marginalized detainees.

To address these issues, SHARP Pakistan, with the financial support of the European Union, is implementing a comprehensive project aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening protection mechanisms for vulnerable detainees.

The project adopts a right based and inclusive approach by combining direct service delivery with institutional strengthening. It focuses on improving detention conditions, providing legal aid and psychosocial support, building the capacity of justice sector stakeholders, and promoting accountability through advocacy and policy engagement.

Through close coordination with prison authorities, legal professionals, and relevant government institutions, the project aims to create a more humane, responsive, and right based justice system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Objectives of the Project:

Objective 1: Improve Detention Conditions and Fair Trial Standards

Conduct assessments of detention facilities, support provision of essential services and equipment, and build the capacity of prison staff and justice actors to promote humane treatment and fair trial standards.

Objective 2: Expand Access to Justice for Vulnerable Populations

Provide legal aid, case representation, and psychosocial support services to vulnerable detainees, and conduct outreach and awareness activities to improve access to justice.

Objective 3: Strengthen Advocacy and Institutional Accountability

Promote policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based advocacy to improve legal frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and justice sector reforms.

Key Interventions

• Legal aid and case representation for vulnerable detainees
• Provision of psychosocial support services
• Assessment and improvement of detention facilities
• Capacity building of prison staff, judicial officers, and legal professionals
• Community outreach and legal awareness sessions
• Development and dissemination of legal awareness materials
• Policy dialogue and stakeholder coordination for systemic reform

Expected Impact

The project aims to contribute to a more inclusive and accountable justice system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by improving detention conditions, ensuring fair trial rights, and expanding access to legal and protection services for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, it seeks to promote human dignity, strengthen rule of law, and ensure that no one is left behind in accessing justice.