Reforming Juvenile Justice in Pakistan: The Case for Cyber Polling
In the digital era, cyber polling has emerged as a powerful tool that enables public participation in shaping legal reforms. It allows experts, professionals, and ordinary citizens to voice their opinions on laws and policies, particularly those impacting society’s most vulnerable. Many developed countries have adopted this online mechanism to assess legislation, identify the root causes of crime, and implement timely reforms. Notably, cyber polling has contributed significantly to curbing juvenile delinquency in several nations. However, Pakistan has yet to integrate this approach into its justice system, which may explain the alarming rise in juvenile crime across the country.
To build an effective juvenile justice system and move toward a crime-free society, Pakistan must consider introducing cyber polling as a formal component of its policymaking process.
Currently, juvenile offenses in Pakistan are governed by the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018 (JJSA). While the act provides a legal framework for dealing with juvenile offenders, the lack of public engagement makes it rigid and less responsive to ground realities. As a result, many young offenders face unfair treatment and are denied the opportunity for proper rehabilitation. Without an inclusive mechanism like cyber polling, juvenile crime remains a low-priority issue, and countless young individuals risk falling deeper into the cycle of criminality.
Moreover, juvenile courts in Pakistan are often non-functional or suffer from significant delays, depriving minors of timely justice. Detention centers, which should serve as spaces for reform, frequently lack basic necessities and humane conditions. Disturbingly, there are documented cases of juvenile offenders being detained alongside adult criminals—a clear violation of both legal and ethical standards. These systemic flaws underline the urgent need for reform, which could be initiated and guided through cyber polling.
Another critical area where cyber polling could play a transformative role is police conduct. Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have long been criticized for their harsh treatment of juvenile offenders, including verbal and physical abuse during custody. With the integration of cyber polling, public and expert feedback could hold authorities accountable and contribute to a more transparent and humane policing culture.
Countries with low crime rates offer compelling examples of how cyber polling has been used to strengthen juvenile justice systems. For instance, in the United States, the Pew Research Center has provided data-driven insights that influenced Florida’s juvenile sentencing reforms, significantly reducing life sentences for minors. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the Youth Justice Board used cyber polling in 2018 to gather public feedback, which led the government to boost funding for youth rehabilitation programs. Germany also actively engages the public through opinion polls to assess the conditions of juvenile detention centers, ensuring transparency and efficiency in its justice administration.
Pakistan can learn from these global case studies to develop its own framework. Across Europe, cyber polling continues to shape youth justice policies, offering a participatory model that balances expertise with public sentiment.
Legal and social experts in Pakistan have also acknowledged the potential of cyber polling. Former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has emphasized the need for modernizing the judiciary by incorporating technology and citizen engagement. He advocates for cyber polling as a practical tool in juvenile justice cases. Likewise, Dr. Fareeda Ahmed Mehr, a sociologist at the University of Punjab, highlights the importance of understanding the socio-psychological backgrounds of juvenile offenders. In her view, cyber polling offers a valuable resource for gaining these insights.
To truly reform its juvenile justice system, Pakistan must establish a digital polling platform that invites expert opinions and informed public input. Such a mechanism would allow for data-driven policymaking that is both inclusive and adaptive to societal needs.
The expected benefits of cyber polling are numerous. First, it can strengthen the juvenile justice system by identifying existing gaps and proposing evidence-based reforms. Second, it can boost public trust in legal institutions, as citizens will feel more involved in the justice process. Third, it can help reduce juvenile crime by addressing its root causes through informed dialogue. Additionally, cyber polling promotes more humane treatment of offenders by shifting the focus from punishment to rehabilitation. It also ensures transparency in legal reforms and improves the quality of rehabilitation centers, ultimately aiding in the reintegration of young offenders into society.
In conclusion, cyber polling is not just a modern convenience—it is a necessary step toward a more just and responsive legal system in Pakistan. As other nations have demonstrated, integrating public and expert opinions into policymaking can lead to more effective and humane justice for juveniles. By embracing this digital innovation, Pakistan can protect its youth from becoming lifelong criminals and move closer to a society that upholds justice, dignity, and reform.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Noor Alam
The author is a student of Law at the University of Okara.
