On 14 August 2025, Pakistan’s Independence Day, our Executive Director Sarah Belal was conferred the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of her contributions to justice and human rights. The medal will be formally presented in March 2026.

This recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects the struggle JPP has carried forward for over 15 years, defending those most at risk of being silenced or forgotten. Under Sarah’s leadership, JPP has stood with prisoners facing the harshest punishments, people with psychosocial disabilities, children tried as adults, survivors of torture, and overseas Pakistanis detained abroad. Together with our partners, we have worked to bring systemic change, from ending executions of the severely mentally ill, to helping pass Pakistan’s first anti-torture law, to reuniting families separated by borders.

Over the years, JPP’s work has also been acknowledged through the Smith Medal, the Franco-German Human Rights Prize, the Pakistan National Human Rights Award, and the Echoing Green Global Fellowship. But while these honors affirm the importance of this struggle, they are not our goal. Our purpose remains unchanged: to build a justice system rooted in dignity, accountability, and fairness, where no one is subjected to torture, wrongful execution, or neglect. The work continues.