Legal and Justice Reform

Pakistan

The Access to Justice Program (AJP), funded in 2001 in the amount of $350 million, is the first phase of ADB's long-term assistance to Pakistan for judicial reform. During its first phase, the AJP aims to

integrate access to justice into the broader development debate in the country
support a coherent policy and legal framework for sustainable judicial and police reforms
initiate activities to address some of the most pressing issues in the sector

AJP's key objective is to assist the Government in improving access to justice. Achieving this will

provide security and ensure equal protection under the law to citizens, particularly the poor
secure and sustain entitlements, thus reducing vulnerability of people living in poverty
strengthen the legitimacy of state institutions
create conditions conducive to pro-poor growth, thus building investor confidence

The AJP is a key element in a nationwide effort to positively influence the exercise of political, administrative and judicial power and improve access to public entitlements for all citizens, but especially the poor, women, and minorities.

The Program is expected to stimulate critical public and professional debate. In the longer-term, the AJP represents a small, but significant, part of a larger effort to transform the culture of governance in Pakistan.