Knowledge That Drives Change
Musawi produces evidence-based resources to guide legal reforms, inform judicial practices, and empower communities with legal knowledge. Our publications are widely referenced by courts, practitioners, civil society, and policy institutions across Pakistan and South Asia.
Our Publications
Evidence-based insights cited by courts, referenced by practitioners, and trusted by institutions
Bench Books
Bench Book for Judges on Muslim Family Laws (2023)
The publication “Muslim Family Laws Bench Book for Judges in Pakistan with a Special Focus on Women and Children” by Musawi, supported by the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) and developed in collaboration with the Sindh Judicial Academy, serves as a practical guide for judges handling family law cases. It documents the legal framework governing women’s and children’s marriage rights, covering topics such as marriage contracts, dower, dowry, dissolution, maintenance, custody, and polygamy. Drawing on Pakistani case law and comparative examples from other Muslim jurisdictions, it promotes gender-sensitive and rights-based adjudication. The publication aims to help judges interpret and apply family laws fairly and consistently to protect vulnerable groups and improve access to justice.
Bench Book on Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction 1980 (2025)
The 133 page Bench Book, “Bench Book on Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction 1980 (2025): For Judges in Pakistan” provides the first comprehensive, Pakistan-specific guidance on applying on the Hague Convention in international parental child abduction cases. Developed with support from the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Office and in collaboration with key legal stakeholders, the publication explains the Convention’s legal framework, clarifies that cases under the Convention are not custody disputes, and outlines key concepts such as habitual residence and wrongful removal. Addressing gaps in judicial awareness and inconsistent application, the Bench Book equips judges with practical tools – including case law, sample orders, and procedural guidance – to ensure the prompt return of abducted children in line with Pakistan’s international obligations.
Bench Book on Serious Sexual Violence Crimes in Pakistan (2022)
The publication “Serious Sexual Violence Bench Book for Judges in Pakistan”, developed with the support of Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and the Jones Day Foundation, serves as a comprehensive resource for judges adjudicating cases of rape, gang rape, and sexual assault. It offers clear legal and procedural guidance across investigation, trial, evidence, and sentencing stages. By promoting survivor-centric and trauma-informed judicial practice, the publication aims to strengthen the capacity of Pakistan’s judiciary to ensure fair, sensitive, and effective justice in serious sexual violence cases.
Reports
Diagnostic Study of Nikkahnamas in Punjab (2023)
The 50-page Diagnostic Study of Nikkahnamas in Punjab, supported by the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), explores the state of women’s marriage rights as recorded in the nikkahnama across two districts, Lahore and Pakpattan. Drawing on an analysis of 1,100 Nikkahnamas and 105 surveys with Nikkah Registrars across Lahore and Pakpattan, the study reveals major lapses in how key marriage rights, such as the right to dower, delegated right to divorce, maintenance, and child marriage protection, are recorded and implemented. The report finds widespread instances of unregistered marriages, blank or crossed-out clauses, and a consistent lack of awareness among registrars regarding women’s legal entitlements. The study also documents persistent biases that undermine women’s ability to negotiate special conditions and safeguard their rights through the nikkahnama.
Impact of COVID-19 on Stateless Communities in Pakistan
The 54 page report, “Impact of COVID-19 on Stateless Communities in Pakistan” produced with support from the COVID-19 Emergency Statelessness Fund (CESF) Consortium and the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion documents how the pandemic and state responses exacerbated the marginalization of stateless community, particularly in Karachi. It highlights challenges such as loss of livelihoods, exclusion from relief efforts, lack of access to identity documents and education, and increased gender-based violence. Drawing on fieldwork and stakeholder interviews, the report notes that while Pakistan’s COVID-19 policy included stateless persons in principle, implementation gaps left many without support. It calls for inclusive legal reforms and emergency planning that recognize the vulnerabilities of stateless populations.
Citizen-Centric Prosecution in KP
The 65-page report, Citizen-Centric Prosecution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, supported by the United States Institute of Peace explores how access to justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can be improved through stronger connections between citizens and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prosecution Service (KPPS). The report highlights how a lack of public awareness, limited interaction with prosecutors, and the absence of citizen feedback mechanisms have contributed to a trust deficit and inefficiencies in service delivery. By piloting a citizen-centric framework in five districts, the study demonstrates that inclusive engagement, open consultations, and performance accountability can transform prosecution services.
Final External Evaluation: Drivers of Change Project – Pakistan (2020)
The 211-page report, ‘Final External Evaluation: Drivers of Change Project – Pakistan’ documents Musawi’s evaluation of a three-year initiative led by Shirkat Gah – Women’s Resource and funded by the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. Implemented across four provinces, the project aimed to reduce violence against women and girls through legal awareness, strengthened community networks and economic empowerment. The evaluation highlights significant progress in shifting attitudes and increasing women’s participation in decision-making.
Policy Papers
Policy Paper: "Legislative Gap Analysis & Key Reforms on Muslim Family Laws in Sindh (2024)
The 13-page policy paper, “Legislative Gap Analysis & Key Reforms on Muslim Family Laws in Sindh,” developed by Musawi in collaboration with the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), provides an analysis of the legal framework and proposes key reforms to Muslim family laws in Sindh. The paper identifies significant gaps, particularly concerning women’s marriage rights and the implementation of child marriage laws, despite Sindh having the most comprehensive legal framework against child marriages. It offers targeted recommendations, drawing from best practices in other Pakistani provinces, to improve protections for marginalized groups like women and children and ensure more effective enforcement of existing provisions.
Manuals
Training Manual on Violence Against Women & Women’s Marriage Rights in Punjab (2022)
The training manual, “Violence Against Women & Women’s Marriage Rights in Punjab,” developed with support from the Center for Professional Development of Public Prosecutors (CPD), equips prosecutors and legal aid lawyers with essential tools to address gender-based violence and uphold women’s rights in marriage. It covers relevant laws, including those on child marriage, domestic violence, and polygamy, and provides step-by-step guidance on investigation, prosecution, and legal remedies. Through practical exercises and case studies, it fosters gender sensitivity and highlights the critical role of prosecutors in ensuring access to justice for women in Punjab.
Legislative Drafting Manual For Punjab – A Guide for Legislative Drafters and Publication (2019)
The 76-page “Legislative Drafting Manual for Punjab,” supported by the U.S. Consulate General Lahore, serves as a comprehensive guide for legislative drafters and parliamentarians. It outlines constitutional and procedural frameworks, emphasizes rights-based and evidence-driven drafting, and introduces tools like Regulatory Impact Assessment to improve lawmaking. Covering both substance and style, the manual aims to enhance the quality, clarity, and inclusivity of legislation in Punjab by aligning with international best practices and Pakistan’s legal obligations.
Partner Publications
Repairing from the Bench: From Finding Responsibility to Fashioning Judicial Redress’ (2024)
The research report “Repairing from the Bench: From Finding Responsibility to Fashioning Judicial Redress”, published by the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), was co-authored by Fatima Yasmin Bokhari, CEO of Musawi, alongside Adriana Garcia and Masha Lisitsyna. It explores how domestic courts across 24 countries have interpreted and applied international standards on reparations for serious human rights violations. Drawing on judicial decisions and interviews, the report highlights innovative practices in granting restitution, compensation, satisfaction, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. It aims to support judges, lawyers, and human rights defenders in securing judicial reparations that affirm victims’ dignity and foster accountability, truth, and prevention.
Who Belongs? The Foreigners Act 1946 and the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951: A Legislative Review
The 28-page Report, “Who belongs? The Foreigners Act 1946 and Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951: A Legislative Review,” was published by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and authored by Musawi’s CEO, Fatima Yasmin Bokhari. The report examines Pakistan’s legal framework for citizens and foreign nationals. It highlights gaps in protecting refugees and ensuring citizenship rights, particularly for Afghan refugees and stateless individuals. The review analyzes key provisions of the Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 and The Foreigners Act 1946, assessing their alignment with constitutional and international human rights obligations. It points out that refugees are not recognized as a distinct legal group, leading to their treatment as foreigners and deprivation of fundamental rights.’
Policy Paper: Human Rights to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
This 31 page policy paper, ‘Human Rights to Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)’ published by WaterAid Pakistan and developed by Musawi, examines Pakistan’s legal and policy gaps in ensuring equitable access to WASH. Despite progress, millions – especially in marginalised communities – remain without safe water or sanitation facilities. The policy paper highlights the lack of constitutional recognition, fragmented laws, weak implementation, and underfunding, calling for rights-based reforms and stronger coordination across the Federal and Provincial levels. It urges policymakers to prioritise WASH as a fundamental right essential to health, dignity, and equality.
Extending Constitutional Rights to Pakistan’s Tribal Areas (2021)
The 24-page Report, “Extending Constitutional Rights to Pakistan’s Tribal Areas,” was developed by Musawi and published by the United States Institute of Peace. The report examines the challenges and progress in integrating the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into Pakistan’s formal judicial system after the 2018-19 merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. It highlights the positive impact on access to justice, particularly for women, but also points out significant capacity shortfalls in institutions like the police and prosecution services. The study emphasizes the need for continued investment in infrastructure, training, and public awareness to fully realize constitutional guarantees for the region’s citizens.
Accountability for Rape: A Case Study of Lodhran (2018)
The report “Accountability for Rape: A Case Study of Lodhran” was developed by Musawi and published by the Centre for Human Rights at University College Lahore, with support from the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative. It examines systemic barriers to justice in rape trials through an analysis of 63 case files from Lodhran District. The study reveals high acquittal rates driven by evidentiary gaps, delayed medical exams, inconsistent victim testimony, and judicial bias. It calls for urgent procedural reforms, improved forensic capacity, and gender-sensitive practices to strengthen accountability for rape in Pakistan’s trial courts.
Policy Gap Analysis on Menstrual Hygiene Management (2021)
The 37-page report, “Policy Gap Analysis on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)”, published by WaterAid Pakistan with contributions from Musawi, examines the absence of a dedicated legal and policy framework for MHM in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh. Despite affecting nearly half the population, MHM remains stigmatized and overlooked across key sectors. The report calls for integrating MHM into policies, strengthening institutional coordination, and improving data systems to ensure dignified menstrual care for women and girls nationwide.
Punjab Defamation Act 2024
The 31-page report “Punjab Defamation Act 2024” was authored by Musawi’s CEO, Fatima Yasmin Bokhari and published by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The Report examines the controversial law passed in May 2024. It highlights concerns about the Act’s impact on freedom of speech and the press, citing excessively harsh penalties and vague language. The report details problems with the law’s scope, including broad definitions of “journalist” and “newspaper” that encompass social media users, and procedural issues like high penalties without proof of actual damage and the establishment of tribunals with executive influence. It concludes by recommending a review or repeal of problematic provisions to align the Act with constitutional rights and ensure a balanced legal framework.
Contribution to Partner Publications
Who Polices the Police? (2021)
In the 95-page report, Who Polices the Police? Who Polices the Police, published by the Open Society Justice Initiative, Musawi’s CEO, Fatima Yasmin Bokhari, contributed to the analysis. The report examines the role of independent agencies in investigating serious crimes committed by police and other state agents. It outlines key components for effective investigations, including institutional independence, adequate resources, and clear jurisdiction. Drawing on global examples, the report emphasises the need for diverse and competent investigators, meaningful investigative powers, and transparency throughout the process.
Drafting Complaints to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and Committee Against Torture (2018)
The 86-page Strategic Litigation Toolkit: Drafting Complaints to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and Committee against Torture is a practical guide for lawyers and activists, published by the Open Society Justice Initiative with contributions from Musawi’s CEO, Fatima Yasmin Bokhari. It supports the preparation of “individual communications” concerning torture, deaths in custody, and related human rights violations submitted to the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the Committee against Torture (CAT). The toolkit outlines admissibility criteria, drafting techniques, claim structure, and model legal arguments, and offers guidance on appropriate remedies and supporting documentation.
It’s a Penalty: CommonProtect- A review of the legal system protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse across the commonwealth (2022)
The 316-page report Common Protect, published by It’s a Penalty, includes contributions from Musawi’s Director of Litigation and Advocacy, Khadija Yasmin Bokhari. The report examines legal systems across the Commonwealth that address child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), highlighting that one in eight children are affected before the age of 18. It underscores the urgent need for legal reform, better implementation, and greater awareness, emphasizing that CSEA is a global issue worsened by poverty, inequality, and technological advancement.
Considering the Protection Needs of Afghan Refugees in a Regional Context: Pakistan,Iran and Turkey
The paper Considering the Protection Needs of Afghan Refugees in a Regional Context, published by the Refugee Solidarity Network (RSN) and Refugee Rights Turkey (RRT) with contributions from Musawi, examines the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. It highlights the profound impact of over four decades of forced displacement from Afghanistan, further intensified by the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The paper aims to raise awareness of regional displacement dynamics and strengthen the response of national protection actors. It underscores that, despite hosting the majority of Afghan refugees, these countries have received insufficient international support.