Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has operationalised Legal Aid Desk Committees in prisons across the province to provide free legal assistance to indigent prisoners, particularly women inmates, facing criminal proceedings.
The initiative, which has been in effect since July 1, 2026, is aimed at ensuring that financially disadvantaged prisoners are not denied their constitutional right to legal representation due to a lack of resources.
Director General Prosecution Rafiq Mohmand said the committees have been tasked with identifying deserving inmates, reviewing their cases and facilitating the appointment of lawyers to represent them before courts.
He said data of eligible prisoners was being compiled to streamline the provision of legal aid and ensure timely legal support for those in need.
Applications for free legal assistance can be submitted through the offices of the District Public Prosecution, Jail Superintendents, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners, enabling prisoners and their families to access the scheme more conveniently.
Rafiq Mohmand noted that legal aid mechanisms in several districts had remained inactive in previous years, preventing many indigent prisoners and women inmates from effectively pursuing or defending their cases.
Officials said the activation of the Legal Aid Desk Committees marks an important step towards improving access to justice, strengthening fair trial guarantees and ensuring that vulnerable prisoners receive professional legal representation regardless of their financial circumstances.