Restorative Justice in Pakistan: Integrating Traditional Practices with Formal Legal Systems for Community Healing and Rehabilitation

Abstract

Restorative justice in Pakistan focuses on healing and reconciliation rather than punishment. It brings together victims, offenders, and the community to address harm and find ways to repair it. Traditional methods like Jirga and panchayat are used for local dispute resolution but often face criticism for bias and lack of legal oversight. To ensure fairness, efforts are being made to incorporate restorative justice principles into the formal legal system, emphasizing dialogue, accountability, and rehabilitation. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including limited public awareness, inadequate legal support, and cultural resistance. Yet restorative justice has notable benefits, such as reducing re-offending rates, easing the burden on courts, and fostering a sense of justice and community healing. By promoting understanding and empathy, it offers a more inclusive approach to justice, benefiting both victims and offenders. Restorative justice holds promise for building a more peaceful and equitable society in Pakistan.