ALAC in Vehari with Sudhaar Development Organization (SDO)
Venue: Vehari, Punjab
Date: August 18, 2025

On August 18, 2025, Transparency International Pakistan in collaboration with the Sudhaar Development Organization (SDO), a women-led NGO, hosted a Free Legal Advice Camp in Vehari, Punjab. Organized under TI Pakistan’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Center (ALAC) initiative, the free camps aim to empower victims and witnesses of corruption by providing cost free legal counsel.

The event was attended by over 40 community members, including women, who sought guidance on complex issues including land and property disputes, domestic violence, inheritance rights, and local government service delivery. To ensure that communities receive inclusive support, the camp featured two legal experts: Advocate Ms. Shaheen Akhtar, who discussed their issues with female participants, and Advocate Mr. Aftab, who provided advice to male participants.

The proceedings began with a recitation of the Holy Quran. Ms. Saima Batool, Executive Director of SDO shed light on the systemic challenges faced by underprivileged communities. She noted that a lack of legal awareness and financial resources often prevents vulnerable individuals from securing justice. Ms. Batool underscored the importance of grassroots support in bridging the gap between marginalized populations and the legal system.

Mr. Saad Aalam, Assistant Project Coordinator TI Pakistan, provided an overview of TI Pakistan’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre. He explained that these camps are designed to bring justice to the doorsteps of those excluded from the formal legal system. Through free legal camps, TI Pakistan is ensuring that legal services are accessible to those who need them most. He also briefed the communities on the mechanism through which they can reach out to TI Pakistan for redress of their grievances.

The event concluded with participants expressing their gratitude to TI Pakistan and SDO. Participants also emphasized that such initiatives address concerns of the vulnerable people at the grassroot level and help build confidence among local communities to pursue justice through legal channels.