The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Pakistan’s legal sector by improving legal education, strengthening professional training for lawyers, and enhancing the welfare of the legal community.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Lawyers Education Academy at the Punjab Bar Council and the certificate distribution ceremony for graduates of the Bar Vocational Course, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar outlined a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at modernising legal education and ensuring the effective administration of justice across the country.
The minister announced that the government is working on a comprehensive health insurance programme for lawyers and their families, with financial support from both the federal and Punjab governments. Under the proposed scheme, legal professionals will have access to treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease, at both public and private healthcare facilities.
To support the initiative, the Punjab government has already allocated Rs1.35 billion and approved an additional Rs70 million to strengthen the welfare programme.
Highlighting ongoing educational reforms, Tarar said the establishment of the Directorate of Legal Education at the Pakistan Bar Council marks a major step toward improving the quality of legal education in Pakistan. He also emphasized that the Bar Vocational Course, mandatory since 2018, continues to play a key role in preparing young lawyers for professional practice.
The law minister further announced that the Punjab Bar Council will no longer issue practising licences without verification of law degrees by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), a move designed to improve transparency, maintain professional standards, and eliminate fraudulent qualifications.
Discussing judicial reforms, Tarar revealed that a seven-member committee has been constituted to interview candidates for high court judgeships and submit recommendations to the Judicial Commission, ensuring greater transparency and merit in judicial appointments.
He also announced that the Bar Benevolent Fund has been increased from Rs300,000 to Rs600,000, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of lawyers.
The ceremony was attended by senior representatives of the Pakistan Bar Council, Punjab Bar Council, Judicial Commission, and members of the legal fraternity. The reforms are expected to strengthen legal education, improve professional standards, and enhance the welfare of lawyers across Pakistan.
