https://journals.centeriir.org/index.php/pjcl/issue/feed Pakistan Journal of Criminal Justice 2026-09-29T14:43:27+00:00 Editorial Assistant editor_pjcj@centeriir.org Open Journal Systems <p>The <em>Pakistan Journal of Criminal Justice </em>is a peer-reviewed publication offering research on a diverse array of ideas and contemporary issues primarily in Criminal Justice and criminology, but it also covers almost all the topics of law. PJCJ is intended to fulfill the need for the dissemination of new ideas, methods, and information, to both academicians and practitioners in the area of Criminal Justice. The journal publishes theoretical pieces, empirical as well as quantitative research in the areas ranging from policing to sentencing, penalties and prisons, organized crimes and terrorism, review of legislations and landmark judgments, and crime prevention to the victims of the crime. This journal provides a forum for young researchers and established academicians to put forth their perspectives on criminal justice and criminology. We would hope to see an increased interest in the criminal justice field through the publication of this journal.</p> https://journals.centeriir.org/index.php/pjcl/article/view/195 A Comparative Analysis of Inheritance Practices: District Courts in Rawalpindi vs. National Legal Framework 2026-09-27T10:36:43+00:00 Sana Arif sanaarif99@gmail.com <p>This research delves into the pervasive gender disparities in inheritance practices, focusing on Rawalpindi, Pakistan, as a microcosm of broader socio-cultural challenges. The study recognizes that women navigating the inheritance process encounter systemic barriers, from legal intricacies to entrenched cultural norms favoring male heirs. Highlighting the multifaceted implications, inheritance is explored beyond its legal facets to underscore its profound impact on women's economic autonomy and societal standing. The research contends that addressing inheritance issues is integral to the broader discourse on gender equality. A comprehensive examination of Rawalpindi's legal landscape identifies gaps and challenges, forming the groundwork for proposed targeted reforms. Cultural attitudes and biases are acknowledged as influential factors, necessitating nuanced reforms that challenge societal norms alongside legal adjustments. The study scrutinizes procedural complexities, emphasizing the need for reforms to streamline the inheritance process, especially for marginalized women. Financial constraints further impede women's access to justice, prompting a call for reforms that alleviate economic barriers and ensure an equitable process. In the literature review, existing findings on inheritance practices within Rawalpindi's district courts are compared to the national legal framework in Pakistan. Scholars' contributions underscore gender disparities in legal provisions favoring male heirs, providing context for the challenges faced by women. Case studies and initiatives for legal aid and advocacy are explored to gauge the consistency between local and national practices. Methodologically, the study employs qualitative, quantitative, and analytical approaches. Case law, statutory provisions, and interviews with legal professionals contribute to a nuanced understanding. Existing literature is critically assessed, revealing gaps that this research seeks to address. The article's focus on ongoing inheritance cases in Rawalpindi District Court further underscores the complexities and delays faced by women. Proposals for specialized courts, simplified procedures, increased awareness, and legislative improvements emerge as potential solutions. The findings emphasize the urgency for legislative reforms to address delays and obstacles in women's inheritance rights. Specific recommendations include designated judges for inheritance cases, streamlined procedures, integration of government organizations, and accountability measures for those opposing women's inheritance rights. The study advocates for a more efficient judicial system to ensure fast and affordable justice for women in inheritance cases, emphasizing the critical need to safeguard their rights.</p> 2026-09-03T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Sana Arif https://journals.centeriir.org/index.php/pjcl/article/view/201 Public Awareness Of AI-driven Cybersecurity and Social Engineering Threats: A Survey-Based Assessment of Karachi’s Educated Population 2026-09-29T14:43:27+00:00 Ahtashamul Hassan Narejo narejo.ahtasham@gmail.com Dr Abdul Basit Solangi abdulbasit@sbbusba.edu.pk Shakeela Ali Ahtasham Narejo Shakeelaali.narejo@gmail.com Dr. Taha Shabbir tahashabeer@yahoo.com <p>This study investigates public awareness regarding artificial intelligence (AI), social engineering, and cybersecurity threats among the educated population of Karachi, Pakistan. A quantitative, survey-based methodology was employed, collecting 152 responses from the general public through structured questionnaires distributed via both print and online (Google Forms) channels. The sample predominantly comprised young adults (81.6% aged 18–34), with the majority holding at least a bachelor’s degree (67.8%) and reporting daily internet use (94.7%). Despite this high educational attainment and digital connectivity, the findings reveal significant awareness gaps: only 49% reported strong familiarity with AI, over half (52.3%) were unaware of deepfake technology, 50.3% had never heard of social engineering in a cybersecurity context and 40% were unaware of any Pakistani laws addressing cybercrimes. Notably, 70% had never received any training on cybersecurity or AI-related risks. Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between familiarity with specific AI threats and the perceived vulnerability of the public to AI-driven cyberattacks (r = 0.399 for deepfake concern, p &lt; 0.001). These results underscore a paradox of widespread AI adoption coexisting with critically low threat awareness, highlighting an urgent need for structured public education campaigns and policy interventions in Pakistan.</p> 2026-09-04T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2026 Ahtashamul Hassan Narejo, Dr Abdul Basit Solangi, Shakeela Ali Ahtasham Narejo, Dr. Taha Shabbir