The Legal Aid Society (LAS) has revolutionized access to justice in Pakistan with the launch of NAZ Assist, the country’s first multilingual legal advisory chatbot. Available in English, Urdu, Sindhi, and Pashto, NAZ Assist offers free legal advice to users directly on the LAS website.
Named in honor of Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid, a prominent legal figure and the founder of LAS, the chatbot aims to address Pakistan’s significant justice gap. According to the 2023 WJP Rule of Law Index, Pakistan ranks a dismal 130th out of 142 countries, highlighting the urgent need for accessible legal assistance.
Drawing upon insights from over 450,000 calls received by the Sindh Legal Advisory Call Center (SLACC) since 2014, NAZ Assist provides legal advice tailored to the specific needs and challenges of Pakistan’s legal landscape.
Barrister Haya Eman Zahid, CEO of the Legal Aid Society, emphasized the chatbot’s significance in making legal services more inclusive. “NAZ Assist will empower deaf and mute individuals to seek preliminary legal advice with just a click of a button,” she stated. “It also aligns with the evolving preferences of younger generations who increasingly rely on text-based communication.”
To ensure accuracy, NAZ Assist allows users to verify any advice provided by the chatbot. Users can easily connect with a lawyer through the Sindh Legal Advisory Call Center’s Helpline or request a free callback by simply entering their contact information.
Zahid further highlighted the Legal Aid Society’s commitment to serving marginalized communities. “We have dedicated programs to assist women facing gender-based violence, inheritance disputes, and forced conversions,” she explained. “Our services are entirely free, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to access justice.”
