Oxfam in collaboration with Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) organized A Provincial Consultative Conference on improving rule of law in Lahore. The event saw participation from Kaneez Fatima (Chairperson Punjab Women Protection Authority), Nabila Hakim Ali (Ombudsperson Punjab), Irshad Waheed (DG Punjab Women Protection Authority), Tariq Khan Niazi (Secretary Punjab Commission on Status of Women), Rao Iftikhar (ex-Additional Chief Secretary), Sania Kamran (Parliamentary Secretary for Women Development), Rana Arif Kamal Noon (Prosecutor General Punjab), Asim Jasra (Operations Commander Safe City Authority).

Provincial Minister of Punjab for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Basharat Raja, who was the chief guest at the event, spoke on the need to strengthen rule of law institutions through technical assistance, development of a policy to build capacity and enhance skills of justice providers. He stressed that civil society should play a part in government efforts to improve rule of law. He further said that the supremacy of constitution and maintaining law in the country is the responsibility of the government which would be fulfilled at all costs. He also mentioned that the government agencies stand by every minority living in Pakistan and they would never be left alone under any circumstance.
Mehnaz Fareed, Vice Chairperson SPO appreciated work done by Oxfam in improving citizen’s access to justice through improving confidence and trust between citizens and justice providers.

Chairperson Standing Committee for Interior Affairs Punjab Musarrat Jamshaid Cheema in her address shared that the govt is committed to the policy of transparent and impartial accountability, she mentioned that all institutions, including parliament have become stronger during the past three years. She also mentioned that it’s the responsibility of each individual to contribute to uphold rule of law and follow the rules in letter and spirit.
Addressing the conference, Syed Shahnawaz Ali, Country Director Oxfam in Pakistan spoke on the importance of rule of law and inclusion of women and marginalized groups in the justice system. He stressed on the paramount need to open spaces where marginalized groups can access justice and engage duty bearers and justice providers. He concludes that we can do this by improving the social contract between citizens and justice institutions.