In a bid to strengthen access to justice and financial inclusion for Pakistan’s most marginalized communities, Bank Alfalah has partnered with the Legal Aid Society (LAS) to launch “ADAL – Justice with Dignity, Awareness and Empowerment,” a year-long initiative that seeks to empower 2,000 community members through financial and legal literacy.
The collaboration, backed by a PKR 6 million donation from Bank Alfalah, underscores the Bank’s growing commitment to sustainable corporate social responsibility and its mission to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Implemented by the Legal Aid Society, one of Pakistan’s leading justice-sector organizations—the ADAL project will operate across Karachi’s underprivileged neighborhoods, offering structured education and legal support to those often left outside formal systems of justice and finance.
Over the next twelve months, LAS-trained paralegals will conduct 100 community awareness sessions, helping participants better understand their rights, navigate legal processes, and make informed financial decisions. The program will particularly focus on women and minority communities, aiming to bridge the gap between knowledge and access.
“This engagement with the Legal Aid Society is a meaningful measure towards building a more equitable and just Pakistan” said Mian Ejaz Ahmad, Company Secretary and Group Head, Legal & Corporate Affairs at Bank Alfalah. The ADAL project aligns closely with our mission to empower communities and reduce systemic inequalities. We are proud to support an organization that has consistently stood by those most in need of professional support in the protection of their rights.”
Barrister Haya Emaan Zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society, noted that access to justice must extend beyond the courtroom:
“Justice is not an abstract idea. It shapes every aspect of a person’s life, their health, their education, their livelihood. Through ADAL, we aim to make justice tangible, rooted in dignity, and accessible to those who need it the most.”
In addition to training and awareness, the initiative will also offer pro bono legal representation for women, providing direct assistance to those facing legal challenges without means to afford counsel.
The ADAL project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), reinforcing the shared vision of both organizations to create lasting social impact.
Scheduled to run for a year, the project will include regular progress reporting to ensure transparency and accountability, setting a precedent for how the private sector can collaborate with civil society to advance access to justice in Pakistan.
