A New Era for Legal Education: UOL Launches Historic Micro-Credential on Pakistani Domestic Law

A major step in the evolution of transnational legal education in Pakistan took place this week. On November 25, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, the University of London (UOL) formally introduced its long-awaited Micro-credential on Pakistani Law.

The event was led by Dean of Undergraduate Laws Patricia McKellar, University of London and Mr. Saad Wasim Regional Adviser South Asia for University of London. Representatives from Recognised Teaching Centres including ICLS and across the country attended alongside legal dignitaries and academics. The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, who served as the Chief Guest.

Bridging the Gap

During the ceremony, Dean McKellar presented the new micro-credential to Recognised Teaching Centres representatives, marking the beginning of a new phase for University of London (UOL) students in Pakistan. International College for Legal Studies (ICLS) extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Shahab Saqib who designed this curriculum in collaboration with the University of London. His work was supported by the strong commitment of Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Miniter for Law & Justice and Mr. Usama Malik, Director of the Directorate of Legal Education at the Pakistan Bar Council. Their shared vision has produced a program that responds directly to the practical realities faced by law students in this jurisdiction.

Why Domestic Law Matters

For many years, students enrolled in the University of London LLB have benefited from a rigorous education in English common law. Yet graduates entering legal practice in Pakistan often encounter a steep transition when faced with local statutes and procedural frameworks. This new micro-credential is a significant and timely step. It recognises that while English law forms the intellectual foundation of legal reasoning, Pakistani law equips practitioners to operate within their own courts and legal institutions.

Integrating domestic legal knowledge into the UOL framework ensures that graduates are not only academically strong but also prepared for practice. It closes the gap between theoretical study and the day-to-day demands of the Pakistani legal system.

The Curriculum

The micro-credential focuses on the core statutes that underpin litigation and legal advisory work in Pakistan. At ICLS, we stress that competence in the following areas is essential for any aspiring lawyer:

• The Constitution of Pakistan: Understanding the supreme law of the state, fundamental rights, and the organization of government is the foundation of legal practice in Pakistan.
  • The Code of Civil Procedure (CPC): The central procedural law for civil matters. A lawyer cannot progress in civil courts without a solid grasp of its provisions.
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): Governs the investigation and adjudication of criminal cases, from the registration of FIRs to final verdicts.
  • The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC): The substantive criminal law that defines offenses and corresponding punishments, essential for practitioners in criminal law.
  • The Specific Relief Act: A key framework for equitable remedies in civil disputes, especially in matters involving contracts and property.
  • Qanun-e-Shahadat Order (QSO): The law of evidence in Pakistan. Mastery of the QSO often determines the strength of a case and the credibility of arguments in court.

Moving Forward

International College for Legal Studies welcomes this initiative with genuine enthusiasm. The micro-credential will support our students as they move from academic study to professional practice, equipped with an understanding of the laws they will engage with every day. At the same time, we believe this development should be the starting point rather than the final destination. Given the realities of legal practice in Pakistan, the University of London should consider creating a separate and fully developed module on Pakistani law to ensure long-term consistency, depth, and parity with other core subjects. We extend our sincere congratulations to Dean Patricia McKellar, Dr. Shahab Saqib, Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar, Mr. Saad Wasim, and Mr. Usama Malik on this important achievement, which marks a meaningful milestone in legal education in Pakistan.