Summary The initiative aims to provide a safe and private environment for survivors, alongside new facilities for lawyers and court visitors across Punjab.
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Justice Aalia Neelum has inaugurated Punjab’s first dedicated room for survivors of gender-based violence at a court facility in Vehari, marking an initiative aimed at making the judicial system more accessible and sensitive to the needs of victims.
The specially designated room is intended to provide survivors with a safe, calm and supportive environment where they can explain their complaints and concerns without fear. Particular attention will be given to their privacy and protection, allowing them to discuss sensitive matters in a more secure setting.
The inauguration was part of a series of judicial infrastructure and welfare initiatives launched during Justice Aalia Neelum’s visits to Pakpattan, Vehari, Arifwala, Mailsi and Burewala.
Improving court facilities
The projects introduced across the judicial centres include e-libraries, dedicated rooms for women lawyers, daycare centres, modern waiting areas and facilitation centres for people visiting courts.
The e-libraries established in Pakpattan and Vehari are intended to improve lawyers’ access to legal research materials and judicial judgments. The facilities are expected to support legal research and help practitioners access information needed for court proceedings.
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Dedicated rooms for women lawyers and daycare centres are also among the measures aimed at improving their professional working environment and helping them manage their responsibilities. Meanwhile, modern waiting areas and facilitation centres are designed to provide litigants and other court visitors with more comfortable surroundings and easier access to services.
The dedicated room for gender-based violence survivors in Vehari forms part of these efforts, with its emphasis on privacy and security addressing the particular needs of people reporting abuse.
Solar power initiative
The judicial authorities have also taken steps to shift courts and bar rooms in Pakpattan, Vehari, Arifwala, Mailsi and Burewala to solar energy to improve the reliability of electricity supplies.
The move is intended to reduce disruptions caused by load-shedding, which can affect court proceedings and lawyers’ professional activities. More reliable power supplies are expected to help judicial staff, lawyers and litigants access facilities with fewer interruptions.
During the chief justice’s visits to the five judicial centres, representatives of local bar associations welcomed her and presented flowers. District and sessions judges, along with judicial officers, were also present.
Bar representatives praised the initiatives aimed at improving court infrastructure, supporting the welfare of women lawyers and addressing the needs of people seeking justice. They expressed appreciation for measures intended to resolve professional challenges faced by lawyers and said improved facilities would help create a more suitable working environment.
