Enhancing Access to Justice in Pakistan’s Family Courts: Challenges and Legal Reforms
Keywords:
Judicial efficiency, gender bias, child custody, legal reforms, procedural delays, mediation, court infrastructureAbstract
Family courts in Pakistan play a pivotal role in resolving family disputes, including matters of divorce, child custody, and maintenance. However, issues such as procedural delays, social barriers, and gender bias significantly hinder access to justice, particularly for women and children. This study aims to critically examine the functioning of family courts in Pakistan, focusing on the challenges that undermine their efficiency and equity. The research adopts a qualitative approach, analyzing relevant legislation, judicial practices, and reforms implemented over the years, including the Family Courts Act and various amendments aimed at improving court efficiency. Key findings reveal that despite legal reforms, delays in case resolution, lack of judicial training, and inadequate enforcement of court orders persist as major barriers. The study also highlights the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and better infrastructure to streamline the judicial process. The research concludes by proposing key reforms to enhance access to justice in family courts, such as specialized training for judges, improved enforcement of court decisions, and the integration of mediation systems.
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