Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy (KPJA), in collaboration with the Society for Human Rights & Prisoners’ Aid (SHARP), successfully organized a Two-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Judicial Officers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on 18–19 December 2025 at the Academy.
The workshop was designed to enhance judicial understanding of the legal, procedural, and humanitarian dimensions of refugee-related adjudication, in view of the growing number and complexity of cases involving refugees and undocumented persons appearing before courts across Pakistan.
The inaugural session was graced by Ms. Hina Khan, Senior Director (Research & Publications), KPJA, as Chief Guest. In her opening address, she emphasized the importance of continuous judicial education and highlighted the need for informed, balanced, and humane adjudication in matters involving vulnerable populations. During the inaugural proceedings, a representative of SHARP outlined the objectives, scope, and expected outcomes of the workshop, underscoring the significance of collaboration between the judiciary and protection partners.
The academic program of Day One covered a wide range of substantive themes. Participants attended sessions on the mandate and interventions of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), followed by detailed presentations on human rights and fundamental rights in light of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. Further sessions addressed the international legal framework, including key conventions such as CAT, CEDAW, ICCPR, and CRC, with a focus on the protection of vulnerable groups. The day also included an in-depth discussion on international protection and durable solutions, facilitated by UNHCR, along with case studies and group work, enabling participants to apply legal principles to practical scenarios.
On Day Two, the academic sessions continued with a contextual overview of refugee presence in Pakistan, followed by comprehensive discussions on the Foreigner Act, 1946, its legal implications, and jurisdictional aspects. Participants also examined citizenship law and the issuance of Pakistan Origin Cards in light of judicial precedents, providing practical insights into evolving jurisprudence. Interactive group work and discussions facilitated cross-provincial exchange of experiences and highlighted district-level practices.
The workshop concluded with a formal closing ceremony chaired by Mr. Jehanzeb Shinwari, Director General, KPJA. In his concluding remarks, the Director General appreciated the active participation of judicial officers and emphasized the value of cross-provincial dialogue and sustained capacity building. All Directors of KPJA were present, reflecting the Academy’s institutional commitment to judicial education. Certificates were distributed among the participants, and souvenirs were exchanged as a token of appreciation and collaboration. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph.
The two-day workshop provided an effective platform for judicial officers to engage with national and international legal frameworks, share practical experiences, and develop informed approaches to refugee-related adjudication. The activity reaffirmed KPJA’s role in strengthening judicial capacity through structured academic engagement and partnerships with key stakeholders.