There are several obstacles in the way of achieving SDG 16, which calls for the promotion of peaceful,

just, and inclusive societies. Weak Institutions: One of the difficulties in fulfilling SDG 16 is that: Building
dependable institutions that can serve justice and guarantee the safety of their population is a struggle
for many nations. This frequently results from a lack of funding, expertise, and political will.

Conflict and Fragility: Struggles to fulfil SDG 16 might be hampered by conflict and fragility. These
circumstances have the potential to lead to instability, violence, and displacement, which could obstruct
efforts to advance peace, justice, and inclusion.

Corruption: Corruption can damage institutions and threaten the rule of law. Additionally, it can keep
social injustices alive and deny disadvantaged groups access to basic services and justice.

Inequality: Inequality can make it difficult for marginalised groups to obtain justice and take part in
political activities. Additionally, it can fuel conflict and thwart efforts to create inclusive and peaceful
society.

Limited Access to Justice: In many nations, access to justice is severely restricted. This may be brought on
by a dearth of funding, access to legal representation, institutional weakness, and discriminatory laws
and practises.

Lack of Data: The ability to monitor SDG 16 development can be hampered by a lack of data. Without
trustworthy and disaggregated data, it can be challenging to pinpoint gaps and identify the most
effective treatments.

Global Governance: In order to fulfil SDG 16, there must be international cooperation and governance.
However, the current global governance structure may be insufficient and ineffective, which could
impede efforts to realise the SDGs.

Solutions:

The person has the right to

Legal Aid: To help those who cannot afford it, Pakistan’s government has set up organisations that offer
legal aid. The accused may obtain counsel to represent them in court.
Trial in a timely manner: The accused is entitled to a prompt and fair trial. The court should make sure
there are no unneeded delays and that the trial is conducted in a fair amount of time.

Fair Trial: The defendant is entitled to a fair trial. The court of law should make certain that the
defendant has a fair trial as well as all of the proof has been presented objectively.

The defendant is deemed innocent unless and unless proven guilty. The onus of proof is with the
prosecution, who must establish their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The accused has the right to challenge the judgement if they are found guilty. The appeals procedure
ought to be neutral and fair.

Judicial Reforms: To improve the justice system, the Pakistani government needs implement judicial
reforms. This entails the recruitment of qualified and unbiased judges, the modernization of court
processes, and the expansion of the capability of the institutions providing legal help.

Government should start awareness programmes to inform citizens about their legal rights and the
justice system. The ability to pursue justice and hold institutions responsible will increase as a result.

The government should make sure that the judicial system is impartial, independent, and responsible
and that trials aren’t delayed unnecessarily.

The legitimacy of governmental institutions and the rule of law may be threatened by the complicated
problem of corruption. The following actions could be made in Pakistan to combat corruption and
encourage accountability:

Enhancing Anti-Corruption Institutions: Pakistan should improve its anti-corruption agencies, including
the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). These organisations
should have the necessary funding and authority to look into and prosecute corruption situations.

Adopting Effective Anti-Corruption Laws: Pakistan has to pass laws that make corrupt activities like
bribery, laundering of funds, and bribery illegal. Laws should be strictly upheld, and those who break
them should get the appropriate punishment.

Promoting openness and Accountability: Pakistan should embrace measures including open data
policies, citizen involvement, and participatory budgeting to improve openness and accountability in
governmental institutions. As a result, it will be harder for corrupt people to function and government
institutions will be more transparent and accountable.

References

https://laja.punjab.gov.pk/

http://na.gov.pk/en/constitution.ph

http://na.gov.pk/uploads/documen

http://molaw.gov.pk/judicial-reform-action-plan-2020-22ts/1430815062 517.pdf

http://molaw.gov.pk/access-to-justice-campaign

https://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-16-peace-justice-
and-strong-institutions.html

https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2019/Progress-towards-the-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Report-
2019.pdf

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fragilityconflictviolence/publication/pathways-for-peace-inclusive-
approaches-to-preventing-violent-conflict

https://www.transparency.org/cpi2018

https://worldjusticeproject.org/our-work/wjp-rule-law-index/wjp-rule-law-index-2019

https://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Poverty%20Reduction/Inclusive%20development/
Addressing_Inequalities_Synthesis_Report.pdf

https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/Measuring-SDG-16-Targeted-Approaches-to-Actionable-
Indicators-and-Data.pdf