Artificial Intelligence in Pakistan’s Criminal Justice System: Policy, Ethics, and Future Directions

Abstract

The current enthusiasm over artificial intelligence (AI) as a criminal justice reform measure has led to the discussion about whether it can lead to efficiency, without threat to fairness and accountability. Some of the long-standing problems faced in Pakistan, including the backlog cases, inadequate resources, and delays in the process, have heightened the interest in AI-enabled software in the police, adjudication, and correction sectors. The article investigates the extent, threats, and regulatory aspects of AI implementation in the criminal justice system of Pakistan based on a qualitative, doctrinal and desk-based research on legal regulations, policy documents and practice comparisons. As it can be seen, AI can be used to assist with investigative, evidence examination, and case handling, and it can possibly help raise the accuracy rates and minimize delays. Meanwhile, such issues as the lack of a specialized regulatory framework, the risks of algorithmic bias, a threat to privacy and due process, insufficient institutional capacity, and biased access to digital infrastructure arise. These issues bring up concerns regarding transparency, accountability and safeguarding of basic rights. The article concludes that AI ought to be implemented as a decision support system and not a replacement of human judgment and should work within the limitations of legal and ethical standards. It concludes that the legal regulation, institutional capacity-building, ethical control, and gradual implementation are a set of measures that make AI adoption responsibilities in Pakistan. The article is relevant to policy and scholarly issues about how to balance technological innovation with the rule of law and human rights by putting AI in the context of the constitutional and socio-legal environment in Pakistan.