ISLAMABAD, December 28, 2024: In a landmark development for Pakistan’s legal education system, the Legal Aid Society (LAS) and the Directorate of Legal Education (DLE) of the Pakistan Bar Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, formalized at the Supreme Court’s Pakistan Bar Council Committee Hall, signifies a joint commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of legal education nationwide.
LAS, established in 2013 by Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, has been instrumental in reducing barriers to justice for marginalized communities. Under the leadership of Barrister Haya Eman Zahid, the organization has spearheaded initiatives like NAZ Assist, a pioneering multilingual legal advisory chatbot.
The DLE, an autonomous body within the Pakistan Bar Council, was created to enforce the Supreme Court’s directives for raising legal education standards. Barrister Usama Malik, Director of the DLE, emphasized the body’s role in curriculum reform, faculty training, legal research, and regulation of educational institutions to ensure compliance with established standards.
This collaboration aims to launch initiatives such as curriculum development, teacher training, and the promotion of legal research, equipping legal professionals with modern tools and knowledge to address contemporary challenges effectively.
Barrister Usama Malik remarked, “This partnership underscores our shared vision to revolutionize legal education in Pakistan. By joining forces with LAS, we aim to introduce meaningful reforms that will empower both educators and students.”
Barrister Haya Eman Zahid expressed her optimism, stating, “This MoU represents a crucial step towards closing gaps in our legal education system. By investing in educator development and enhanced curricula, we strive to prepare the next generation of legal professionals to serve justice with excellence.”
The signing ceremony was attended by notable members of the legal community, including Haroon Rashid, former Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council; Barrister Ehtesham Aminduddin; Gulzar Ahmad, Secretary of the PBC; and Saqib Faraz, Deputy Director of the DLE. Representatives from academia and civil society also participated, voicing strong support for the collaborative initiatives.
This MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing legal education in Pakistan, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and robust framework for the legal fraternity.
