At Commons Law Company, we are more than just a commercial law firm – we are driven by a deep-seated commitment to contribute meaningfully to the legal system and the society we serve. Our perspective on the legal landscape of Pakistan is shaped by a belief in justice, equality, and justice-based rule of law, values that are foundational to our practice and guide our efforts to make a tangible difference. 

Context and Philosophy 

Pakistan’s legal system is rooted in the legacy of British colonial rule. When Pakistan gained independence, it inherited a legal framework designed to maintain control over the populace, a system that still carries vestiges of its colonial past. While the 1973 Constitution introduced some reform, many of the oppressive laws from the colonial era remain entrenched, disproportionately benefiting the elite and perpetuating a system of inequality. The persistence of these colonial-era laws, coupled with a reluctance to reform, continues to stifle the development of a truly just legal system. The history of Pakistan’s legal evolution is marred by persistent interference in judicial independence, legislation driven by vested interests, and an outdated approach to legal education. These challenges are compounded by: 

• A governance structure resistant to democratic law-making and justice-based governance, where efforts to establish an independent judiciary, informed polity, and critical legal education have been systematically obstructed. 

• The intellectual landscape of Pakistan’s legal community remains constrained, with limited independent research and a lack of critical engagement with the socio- political factors influencing law-making and justice. 

• Lawmakers at all levels, often lacking a deep understanding of the legal system and constitutional rights, are ill-equipped to enact or enforce laws that reflect the needs and rights of the people. 

• Legal education in Pakistan fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the country’s legal system, leaving graduates unprepared for the realities of legal practice and vulnerable to exploitation within the profession. 

• The justice seeker, often uninformed and intimidated by the legal process, faces further victimization within a system plagued by delays, discrimination, and a lack of accountability. 

The compounded flaws in the legal system and distorted state institutions continue to marginalize ordinary citizens, while the ruling elite exploit widespread ignorance and illiteracy to maintain a system of suppression and exploitation. 

Our Initiatives and Objectives 

In response to these challenges, Commons Law Company has aligned its efforts with several key initiatives: 

• Constitutional Compliance: We advocate for strict adherence to the Constitution, ensuring that the rights and freedoms enshrined within it are protected and upheld. 

• Legislative Review: We are committed to scrutinizing and challenging legislation that undermines justice, working towards a legal framework that is equitable and inclusive. 

• Judicial Reform: We support reforms aimed at enhancing the independence, efficiency, and integrity of the judiciary, ensuring that it serves as a true arbiter of justice. 

• Citizens’ Civic Education: We believe in empowering citizens through education, fostering a deeper understanding of their rights and the legal system, and encouraging active participation in the democratic process. 

At CLC, our position is clear: we stand for a legal system that is just, equitable, and reflective of the values upon which this nation was founded. Through our work, we aim to contribute to the realization of a legal system that truly serves the people, fostering a society where justice is not a privilege, but a right for all.