In the digital era, cyber polling has emerged as a powerful tool that enables public participation in shaping legal reforms. It allows experts, professionals, and ordinary citizens to voice their opinions on laws and policies, particularly those impacting society’s most vulnerable. Many developed countries have adopted this online mechanism to assess legislation, identify the root causes of crime, and implement timely reforms. Notably, cyber polling has contributed significantly to curbing juvenile delinquency in several nations. However, Pakistan has yet to integrate this approach into its justice system, which may explain the alarming rise in juvenile crime across the country.

To build an effective juvenile justice system and move toward a crime-free society, Pakistan must consider introducing cyber polling as a formal component of its policymaking process.

Currently, juvenile offenses in Pakistan are governed by the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018 (JJSA). While the act provides a legal framework for dealing with juvenile offenders, the lack of public engagement makes it rigid and less responsive to ground realities. As a result, many young offenders face unfair treatment and are denied the opportunity for proper rehabilitation. Without an inclusive mechanism like cyber polling, juvenile crime remains a low-priority issue, and countless young individuals risk falling........

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