Justice Delayed, Justice Denied: Examining The Causes Of Delays In Pakistan’s Criminal Justice System

Abstract

The criminal justice system (CJS) serves as the backbone of any society, ensuring law enforcement, judicial fairness, and penal rehabilitation. Pakistan’s CJS, however, faces numerous challenges, including systemic inefficiencies, outdated legal frameworks, and significant delays in case adjudication. This research aims to analyze the overall structure of Pakistan’s CJS while specifically identifying the root causes of judicial delays and proposing effective reforms. The central research question investigates how institutional shortcomings contribute to prolonged case resolution and what measures can be implemented to address them. This study examines historical developments, statistical data, and operational inefficiencies within the judiciary, police, and prosecution services. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive judicial, prosecutorial, and legislative reforms to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of Pakistan’s criminal justice system.