The Rule of Law in Pakistan: Challenges and Reforms

The rule of law has eroded in a majority of countries, according to the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024. However, Pakistan is among the minority of countries to have recorded an improvement in its score this year. Pakistan’s overall Rule of Law Index score increased by less than one percent, and it ranks 129th out of 142 countries worldwide. Regionally, Pakistan ranks fifth out of the six South Asian countries included in the Index. Nepal is the region’s top performer, ranking 69th globally, followed by Sri Lanka and India. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan occupy the bottom three positions, with Afghanistan ranking 140th globally.

Globally, declines in the rule of law have largely been driven by authoritarian trends. Between 2016 and 2024, the Index factor measuring Fundamental Rights declined in 81% of countries, including Pakistan. During the same period, the factor measuring Constraints on Government Powers declined in 77% of countries, including Pakistan. Around the world, legislatures, judiciaries, civil society organisations, and the media have all lost ground in checking executive power. Although these authoritarian trends slowed slightly last year, they expanded again in 2024.

Pakistan is among the 63% of countries where Fundamental Rights declined during the past year and among the 59% of countries where Constraints on Government Powers also deteriorated. After years of declining rule of law, it is easy to focus solely on the negative. However, doing so would overlook the progress made in combating corruption and the efforts being undertaken worldwide to strengthen justice systems. As WJP Co-founder and President William H. Neukom stated, “We must redouble our efforts to expand these rule of law gains in all areas.”

Despite the slight improvement in its overall score, Pakistan continues to face significant weaknesses in several areas, including order and security, regulatory enforcement, and the protection of fundamental rights. Overall, the rule of law remains under pressure globally, with many countries experiencing continued backsliding. The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index is an annual assessment that evaluates countries across eight key factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice.

In the 2024 edition of the report, Pakistan ranked 140th for Order and Security, a category that measures crime control, protection from armed conflict, and the use of violence to resolve civil disputes. Only Mali and Nigeria ranked below Pakistan in this category. Pakistan ranked 103rd for Constraints on Government Powers, 120th for Absence of Corruption, 106th for Open Government, 125th for Fundamental Rights, 127th for Regulatory Enforcement, 128th for Civil Justice, and 98th for Criminal Justice.

Among the six South Asian countries assessed, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain at the bottom of the regional rankings. Overall, the rule of law has declined globally for the seventh consecutive year. Although Pakistan ranks among the lowest-performing countries in the Order and Security category, there has been a slight improvement in its overall Rule of Law Index score. The increase of less than one percent indicates modest progress but also highlights the need for substantial reforms to strengthen legal institutions and public confidence in the justice system.

One of the major factors that makes Pakistan’s judicial system vulnerable is the overwhelming backlog of cases before the courts. Every day, judges are required to hear hundreds of cases, leaving them with insufficient time to study each case thoroughly before the hearing. As a result, judges are often unable to devote adequate attention to complex legal issues. This heavy workload also affects lawyers, who may struggle to prepare their cases comprehensively or present persuasive legal arguments supported by relevant facts and case law.

Pakistan’s criminal justice system can be strengthened by improving its four key pillars: the police, the judiciary, punishment, and community-based corrections. The police play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and ensuring the effective enforcement of laws. Each province in Pakistan has its own police force operating under separate legislation. If every police officer performs their duties with professionalism, integrity, and commitment, the efficiency of the criminal justice system and public confidence in law enforcement will improve significantly.

Modernisation and digitalisation of the judiciary are also essential. Comprehensive e-filing systems, judicial automation, and AI-assisted case scheduling should be implemented to reduce unnecessary adjournments and address the growing backlog of pending cases. Digital records of cases, judgments, and legal precedents should be securely maintained and made accessible to judges and lawyers through a centralised cloud-based platform.

Pakistan should further expand the use of video-link hearings, particularly in subordinate courts, to speed up proceedings and minimise the security risks associated with transporting under-trial prisoners. Likewise, greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening court-annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and mediation centres, which have the potential to reduce case resolution times from several years to as little as 30 to 60 days.

Bibliography

Ahmed A, ‘Pakistan Third-Worst Country for Law and Order, Security: World Justice Project’ Dawn (26 October 2024) https://www.dawn.com/news/1867657 accessed 6 May 2025.

Pakistan Justice Network, ‘Pakistan Ranks 129 out of 142 in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index’ (Pakistan Justice Network, 24 October 2024) https://pjn.org.pk/blog/post/2393 accessed 6 May 2025.

World Justice Project, WJP Rule of Law Index 2024 (World Justice Project 2024) https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/downloads/WJPIndex2024.pdf accessed 23 October 2024.