Done in four

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has reportedly proposed to reduce the LLB programme to four years. I believe this is a good idea. The LLB programme in Pakistan currently spans five years, when it should be no higher than four. This adjustment would align Pakistan with international standards, where many countries offer three- to four-year LLB programmes, enhancing our graduates’ global competitiveness. I am a graduate of a UK university and I am personally interested in enrolling in a three-year UK external law programme. The primary reason for this interest is the extended duration of the Pakistani law programme. Why should I spend two extra years in a Pakistani law programme when I can complete it in less time elsewhere? Many students are turning to external law programmes that offer a three-year LLB, as they find the five-year duration in Pakistan too lengthy and inefficient. This trend highlights the growing concern about the time and resources invested in obtaining a Pakistani law degree. Reducing the LLB programme to four years is a step towards a more efficient, accessible, and internationally competitive legal education system.

Nabeel Badr

Islamabad