Mobile Legal Aid Clinic, Peshawar – Day 1

Peshawar, Tuesday, 18 August: Day 1 of the three-day Mobile Legal Aid Clinic was attended by around 60 visitors, including women, young girls, and women and men with disabilities. PODA, ARPD (Association for Rehabilitation of Physically Disabled), Mera Ghar–NET and representatives of the Regional Office of Human Rights joined hands to establish the clinic at the ARPD Rehabilitation Centre under the project “Promoting Civic Leadership and Participation,” supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The initiative also received support from the Assistant Commissioner Cantonment and renowned social activist and politician Nasim Riaz.

The clinic highlighted a widespread lack of awareness about legal rights and the importance of legal identity and fundamental documents, particularly birth registration and CNIC. Participants raised practical concerns about obtaining documents online, correcting age and other personal data, and addressing family-tree challenges, where even minor inaccuracies can create serious barriers.

Lawyers also highlighted difficulties faced in courts due to incomplete documentation and lack of CNIC. Particular attention was given to persons with disabilities, including questions about the 3% employment quota—for example, how the quota applies when only five vacancies are announced.

The discussions demonstrated the urgent need for accessible legal awareness, accurate documentation and practical guidance to enable vulnerable citizens to understand, exercise and claim their rights.