Final Year Project

Project Title

Barriers to Justice in Pakistan: A Mixed-Methods Study of Litigant Experiences in Karachi’s District Courts

Description

Pakistan’s justice system faces a crisis of legitimacy and efficiency, with over 1.8 million pending cases and low civil justice rankings reflecting public distrust. Reforms have focused on quantitative measures like case disposal rates, overlooking litigants’ everyday experiences. This study examines the perspectives of justice-seeking citizens in Karachi’s district courts, focusing on civil and family cases. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design, it begins with interviews with litigants and lawyers. Preliminary findings show litigation is shaped by structural barriers, including language and financial constraints, which limit participation and increase dependence on lawyers. Financial strain and emotional stress are significant, while delays are normalized. These dynamics undermine fairness, erode judicial legitimacy, and highlight the need for human-centered reforms.