LaWomen

11/07/2026

05/07/2026

A female lawyer was assaulted inside District Court Peshawar premises, a place that embody justice, dignity, and the rule of law. When violence enters our courts, it is more than an attack on one individual; it is an attack on the justice system itself.

Pakistan's laws are clear. The Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 criminalises assault, intimidation, and offences against the dignity of women. The Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 guarantees every woman's right to a safe workplace, including court premises. The Lawyers Welfare and Protection Act, 2023 also provides legal protection to advocates against violence connected to their professional duties.

The problem, therefore, is not the absence of laws, it is the failure to enforce them. It also raises an uncomfortable question.
Would the response have been the same if the victim had been a male lawyer? Justice cannot be selective, and accountability should never depend on gender.

Women already enter the legal profession despite cultural barriers, social expectations, and safety concerns. An assault on a woman lawyer inside a courthouse sends a dangerous message to every aspiring female advocate, that even those who defend the law are not always protected by it.

LAWomen stands in solidarity with the victim and demands a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation. Those responsible must be held accountable without delay, and effective measures must be taken to ensure that every woman lawyer can practice her profession without fear.

04/07/2026

Breaking barriers in KP
Advocate Neelam Ibrar Chattan
Advocate Neelam is building her own practice while quietly expanding access to justice for the women of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We congratulate her on setting up her own chamber in Swat in the early years of practice. She has set a precedent for young female lawyers to become professionally strong and financially empowered.
Neelum received her licensed to practice at the District Bar Association, Swat in 2022. But before that she had already received her “First Female in Law Award” by Women in Law in 2021. She is attached with LAWomen for the past two years, providing free legal aid to women in need. Besides her practice she has taken active part in relief work for flood victims in Swat carried out by LAWomen and other NGOs. For her relief work she has received “Best Social Worker Award” from Iqrar Ul Hassan.
Congratulations, Neelam. Swat's legal community is stronger with you in it.

23/06/2026

Breaking Barriers in KP.

Celebrating Trailblazing Leadership in the Legal Fraternity, KP

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ms. Sophia Noreen, ASC, a name synonymous with excellence, resilience, and dedicated service to the law.

As the only female elected member of the KP Bar Council for the 2025–2030 term, Ms. Noreen continues to shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for future generations of women in the legal profession.

Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the legal profession.
1996: Graduated with a law degree from the prestigious University of Peshawar.
2019–2023: Served with distinction as the Assistant Advocate General, KP, representing the province with integrity.
2025–2030: Currently serving as an elected representative in the KP Bar Council, where she continues to be a powerful voice for legal reform and advocates' welfare.

Ms. Noreen, your journey from the classrooms of the University of Peshawar to the corridors of the Supreme Court and the Bar Council is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for your continued service and for proving that leadership has no gender.

22/06/2026

Despite the existence of a strong legal framework, acid violence continues to occur in Pakistan, exposing a persistent gap between law and its effective enforcement. The acid attack on Dr. Mahnoor Nasir, a trainee doctor at Civil Hospital Quetta, once again highlighted how easily such brutality can disrupt lives, particularly of women in professional spaces. Allegedly linked with prolonged harassment, the incident reaffirmed that acid remains a readily accessible weapon used to inflict irreversible physical and psychological harm.

Pakistan’s law under Section 336B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) prescribes stringent punishment for acid throwing, ranging from fourteen years to life imprisonment, along with heavy fines. In aggravated situations, such offences may also be tried under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, reflecting the legislature’s recognition of their extreme gravity. Despite these strict provisions, inconsistent enforcement and delays in justice continue to weaken the deterrent effect of the law.

However, a meaningful reduction in acid violence requires prevention at its source. There must be strict licensing of acid sellers, along with mandatory registration of every sale and purchase, ensuring full traceability of acid transactions. Sales should only be permitted to verified and authorized individuals for legitimate industrial or commercial use, with strict documentation and monitoring.

20/06/2026

Acid Violence in Pakistan: Law, Justice & What Still Needs to Change

Dr. Mahnoor Nasir, a trainee doctor in Quetta, became the latest victim of acid violence, a brutal crime that leaves survivors with lifelong physical and psychological scars.

Pakistan's law (Section 336B PPC) prescribes 14 years to life imprisonment for acid attacks. Yet enforcement gaps mean the law's deterrent effect remains weak.

In a landmark 2026 ruling "Abdul Manan v. The State" the Supreme Court of Pakistan delivered a powerful message:
🔹 Acid attacks are MORE heinous than homicide
🔹 They inflict "social death", disfigurement, trauma, and isolation
🔹 Survivors deserve disability quotas, lifelong medical care, reconstructive surgery, therapy & monthly stipends
🔹 A National Acid Survivors' Rehabilitation Fund was recommended

But justice after the fact isn't enough. Prevention matters more:
✅ Strict licensing of acid sellers
✅ Mandatory registration of every sale
✅ Sales only to verified individuals
✅ Digital tracking & regular inspections
✅ Severe penalties for unauthorised possession

The law exists. Now it must be enforced before another life is destroyed.

Share this. Silence protects perpetrators.

19/06/2026

"Empowering the Next Generation of Legal Minds"

The prosecution department serves as the backbone of our criminal justice system. It is the bridge between law enforcement and the judiciary, carrying the immense responsibility of ensuring justice is served fairly, transparently, and rigorously. For young lawyers, stepping into this domain isn't just a career milestone; it is a commitment to public service and safeguarding constitutional rights.

On 18th June, in Frontier Law College, Peshawar, I had the privilege of speaking to an incredible group of young, aspiring lawyers who are currently preparing for the competitive Public Prosecutor Examinations.

As someone who has navigated the complexities of the legal profession for years, serving as a mentor to these bright, determined candidates is a deeply fulfilling experience. Guiding them through the nuances of advocacy, case preparation, and the psychological resilience required for public service is my way of giving back to the community and strengthening the future of our legal framework.

To all the candidates preparing for the exam: your hard work today shapes the justice system of tomorrow. Keep pushing forward!

18/06/2026

For years, women across Pakistan paid a hidden price simply for being women. Every purchase of a sanitary pad or tampon came with an added tax, making an essential health product more expensive for millions of girls and women. In the Federal Budget 2026–27, that finally changed.

This achievement did not come overnight. It is the result of years of advocacy by women's rights activists, lawyers, students, and civil society organisations who challenged the unfairness of taxing products required for a natural biological process. Among the notable efforts was Mahnoor Omer v. Federation of Pakistan, a case that helped bring the issue into public debate and highlighted the need for a more equitable approach to menstrual health.

This achievement did not come overnight. It is the result of years of advocacy by women's rights activists, lawyers, students, and civil society organizations who challenged the unfairness of taxing products required for a natural biological process. Among the notable efforts was Mahnoor Omer v. Federation of Pakistan, a case that helped bring the issue into public debate and highlighted the need for a more equitable approach to menstrual health.

The decision serves as a powerful example of how activism can influence policy. What began as conversations in classrooms, courtrooms, and social media campaigns eventually reached the country's budget documents.

The removal of the tax sends an important message: women's health is not a privilege, and dignity should never be treated as a taxable commodity. It stands as a reminder that when citizens consistently raise their voices for change, those voices can shape the law and improve lives.

16/06/2026

Empowering Women Lawyers Through Specialised Legal Training

LAWomen, in collaboration with Frontier Law College, successfully organised a seminar on Income Tax and Sales Tax Laws in Pakistan. The seminar was designed to equip female lawyers with practical and technical knowledge in the field of tax law, an area that presents significant professional opportunities for legal practitioners.
We were honoured to host Advocate Muhammad Suliman Ali, an experienced tax consultant and lawyer, who delivered an insightful session on key aspects of Pakistan's tax framework and the practical challenges faced by practitioners.
The seminar was attended by 30 female lawyers who actively engaged throughout the session. The presentation was followed by an interactive Question & Answer segment, where a team of tax and corporate lawyers addressed participants' queries and shared valuable practical insights.
At LAWomen, we believe that women's economic empowerment begins with access to knowledge, skills, and professional opportunities. As an impact-driven organisation, we remain committed to strengthening the capacity of women lawyers through specialised training, seminars, and professional development initiatives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Frontier Law College, Advocate Muhammad Suliman Ali, and all participants for making this event a success.

16/06/2026

Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Free One-Day Seminar will be held on 17th June, 2026 at 12:15 pm to 01:15 pm.

📍 Frontier Law College.
Pajjagi Road, Peshawar.