From Lahore to the Library of Congress: Pakistan College of Law shapes the legal research landscape

Legal research and writing are fundamental to the legal profession. Whether in the courtroom, in policymaking circles, or in academic debate, strong legal writing plays a vital role in advancing justice and shaping the future of law.

At the Pakistan College of Law (PCL), these skills are given dedicated attention through the Pakistan Centre of Legal Research and Publication (PCLRP). Led by Professor Tasneem Kausar, Principal of PCL, and staffed by senior faculty members, the Centre provides a unique platform for both experienced professionals and aspiring legal minds to develop and showcase their research

At the heart of PCLRP's work is the Pakistan Law Review (PLR), regarded as Pakistan’s premier legal journal. For over two decades, PLR has nurtured high-quality legal scholarship and helped position Pakistani legal writing on the global stage. Distributed to top law firms, the judiciary, and the Law Ministry, it has also reached major international institutions such as the Library of Congress, Oxford’s Bodleian Library, and Cambridge's Squire Law Library.

Recognising the growing importance of digital access, PLR is available through HeinOnline, a global legal research platform. PCLRP is also working to have PLR formally recognised by Pakistan's Higher Education Commission and internationally indexed through Scopus.

The goal of PLR is not only to contribute to academic discussion but also to influence real-world legal thinking. In fact, articles from PLR have been cited in Supreme Court of Pakistan judgments – a clear sign that the work published through PCLRP is making a practical impact. With 15 volumes published to date, PLR stands as a testament to the Centre's commitment to quality legal research.

PCLRP also supports early-career researchers through the PCL Student Journal of Law (PCL SLJ), Pakistan’s only student-led legal publication. Published twice a year, it provides a platform for current students and recent graduates to contribute to legal discourse. Now in its seventh volume, the journal has helped many students stand out when applying for prestigious clerkships at the Supreme Court and internships at leading law firms. The structured and supervised publishing process also enhances students' analytical skills, which are essential for legal studies and practice.

In addition to publishing, PCLRP runs a highly regarded summer internship programme. Every year, selected law students and graduates take part in a month-long internship focused on developing research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Interns are encouraged to explore complex topics and produce publishable work under the guidance of experienced supervisors. Many of our interns have gone on to postgraduate study at leading universities abroad or secured paid research roles in both local and international contexts.

Research centres like PCLRP also serve as hubs for knowledge exchange and community engagement. Through regular symposiums, talks, and panel discussions, PCLRP creates space for academics, practitioners, and students to debate emerging legal issues and share insights across borders.

A major milestone in this effort was the First International Conference on Legal Research and Writing, held in November 2024. The two-day event brought together 35 leading academics and legal professionals from Pakistan, the UK, US, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Singapore. With panel discussions, research presentations, and moderated sessions, the conference showcased the strength and potential of legal scholarship in Pakistan and facilitated valuable international collaboration.

Looking to the future, PCLRP is working to expand its reach and deepen its impact. One exciting new direction is the inclusion of legal research in Urdu, which would make complex legal ideas accessible to a much broader audience across the country. The Centre also aims to increase the frequency of both PLR and PCL SLJ, and to continue improving the quality and scope of its international conferences.

At its core, the Pakistan Centre of Legal Research and Publication is about building capacity. By investing in students, supporting scholars, and creating high-quality legal content, PCLRP is playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of legal professionals in Pakistan – and ensuring that legal writing continues to be a force for positive change.