THE Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the International Federation for Human Rights have raised concerns about Pakistan’s justice system. Their report argues that corruption is no longer limited to a few dishonest officials but has become part of the way the system works, weakening the courts’ independence and denying people equal access to justice. Based on interviews with lawyers, former judges, journalists and civil society representatives, it describes problems at every stage of the legal process. Bribes are allegedly demanded to register police cases, move investigations, obtain court documents and bring hearings forward. Huge case backlogs and unclear procedures make such practices easier, while ordinary litigants are often left with little choice but to pay. The report says favouritism and nepotism are widespread, with family ties, personal connections and professional networks often taking precedence over merit. More worrying is its finding that recent constitutional changes affecting judicial appointments and removals, together with allegations of interference by powerful institutions, have weakened the courts’ ability to act independently. The report concludes that corruption has become so widespread that it may now amount to systemic, even grand, corruption, with serious consequences for the rule of law and the protection of basic rights.

The report’s most important message is that corruption in the justice system is about far more than bribes. It affects whether people receive a fair hearing and whether they believe the courts will treat everyone equally. When cases are delayed, influenced or appear to favour the well-connected, public confidence suffers, and those with the least money and influence pay the highest price. The report also finds that existing systems for investigating misconduct have done little to prevent wrongdoing or win public trust. It further warns that the lack of legal protection for whistleblowers discourages people from exposing corruption. Some of its recommendations, especially its call to repeal the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, will divide opinion. But many others should attract broader support. Assigning cases through transparent rules, publishing court fees and hearing schedules online, requiring judges to declare their assets, investigating complaints promptly and protecting whistleblowers would all make the courts more open and accountable. Public confidence cannot be restored through promises alone. It will return when Pakistanis are convinced that justice depends on the law rather than on money, influence or political pressure.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2026