I always knew that mathematics wasn’t my cup of tea, and I was always inclined toward history and social sciences. After completing my intermediate, I faced the challenge that every student in this country faces when getting into a university and opting for a particular degree. This journey is arduous when you have the expectations of your family on your shoulders, but I was the rebellious kid in my family—every family has one. I opted for law despite being advised by family and friends not to.
The Role of Lawyers in Pakistan
They say this country was born out of the efforts of a lawyer and the dream of a poet. Lawyers are the backbone of any country, playing a significant role in shaping its legal system. Lawyers are one of the key factors in social change. Let us consider Pakistan: whether it be the movement for the restoration of democracy or addressing injustices in society, lawyers have been a part of the resistance. Pakistan has produced many competent lawyers like S.M. Zafar, Aitzaz Ahsan, Asma Jehangir, A.K. Brohi, and many others.
Having said that, this doesn’t change the fact that Pakistan ranks among the worst when it comes to justice. The Pakistani legal system is grappling with numerous problems. Legal education is one of the major challenges the legal profession faces, and it must be addressed before it is too late. I read somewhere that “Pakistan has law schools, but these law schools aren’t producing good lawyers,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Law Education in Pakistan
After completing their A-levels or FSc, Pakistani students interested in studying law have two options. The first is a local law program, which is a five-year degree. The second is a prestigious international law program, which is a three-year degree.
The local law program is full of irregularities, and its admission procedure is flawed. If one wants to study five-year law, they must take the Law Admission Test (LAT), which is a joke in the name of an admission test. The test includes basic subjects like English, Urdu, Pakistan Studies, Mathematics, and Islamiat—subjects that have nothing to do with law. One can easily pass this test without even studying for it.
The majority of local law programs in Pakistan follow an annual examination system. Students often do not have the freedom to choose their subjects, as these are predetermined by the university board. Local law students frequently lack access to courses like philosophy, English literature, economics, and world history, despite the fact that these subjects are crucial for anyone hoping to become a great lawyer. Furthermore, four years would be ideal for this degree; five years is unnecessary.
The Flaws in the Examination System
The annual examination system hinders the growth of law students. It lacks assignments, presentations, and quizzes, which are essential for building a student’s confidence and curiosity. This system resembles that of matriculation, where students wait an entire year for exams and only study a month in advance to pass. Such an approach is detrimental to law students, as good lawyers are critical thinkers who do not rely solely on textbook knowledge. Instead, they depend on their judgment and logical reasoning skills—qualities that are often out of reach for local law graduates who rely on rote learning and filling extensive answer sheets just to pass their exams.
The marking system is problematic because there is no established criterion for grading; it relies on the subjective opinions and whims of the examiner. This impacts hardworking students who want to pursue their LLM abroad but are often overlooked due to this flawed system.
The Toxic Law School Culture
The environment in most law schools is quite toxic. Many students are inclined toward the “Kala Coat Mafia” culture, which is a menace to the profession and has left it in ruins. There is a lack of a reading culture and intellectual debates, which are essential aspects of a vibrant law school experience. Additionally, there is no focus on teaching legal ethics, including how to behave in court, how to address the judge, and how to interact with juveniles and victims of violence.
The ratio of female students to male students is low, and females encounter numerous challenges during their academic journey and in their professional lives. Although female lawyers and judges have carved out their space in this male-dominated profession, much more needs to be done to support women in this field. Sadly, the aforementioned elements are fundamental prerequisites for any quality education but are lacking in Pakistan’s legal education sector.
This is why the profession is struggling: these students become lawyers and then take exams to enter the lower judiciary. Faiz wasn’t wrong when he wrote:
“Bane haiñ ahl-e-havas mudda.ī bhī munsif bhī
Kise vakīl kareñ kis se munsifī chāheñ”
The Prestige of External Law Programs
On the other hand, students enrolled in external law programs earn prestigious degrees that carry a certain sophistication. These students tend to be more polished and articulate compared to their local law counterparts. Graduates of external or international law programs often excel in top-tier law firms, with some choosing to practice abroad, where they are valued more and where the law is upheld more rigorously. Many local law graduates struggle to secure positions in top-tier firms, leading them to pursue careers in criminal and civil litigation or other paths in Pakistan.
A Message to First-Generation Law Students
I know that writing this piece in this challenging country may lead to little recognition, but I dedicate it to the many hardworking and talented first-generation law students who are struggling to navigate law schools and the legal profession. This is a reminder to them that they are not alone in this journey.
At present, there is still hope for the rest of us. Writing this reminded me of a scene from The Shawshank Redemption, where Andy tells Red:
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”