“O you who believe, be persistent in standing up for Qist…”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:135)
A Pro Bono Initiative by Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid
“Justice as Commanded. For the Forgotten. By the Fearless.”
MSJ Legal Aid (MLA) is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Mian Sheraz Javaid's multi-jurisdictional legal practice. Rooted in the belief that justice must never be a privilege of the few, MLA was born in Pakistan to offer pro bono legal services to the underprivileged, the voiceless, and the marginalized—including religious minorities, refugees, and low-income communities.
Today, it extends its support across various jurisdictions where MSJ practices.
What is "Qist"?
The Essence of Justice in Equity
The word Qist (قسط) in Arabic and Urdu signifies equitable justice—justice that is fair, accessible, and balanced. Unlike the harsher connotation of mere punishment, Qist embodies the moral beauty of fairness, mercy, and rightful dues.
“Indeed, Allah commands justice (Adl) and equity (Qist)…”
— Surah Al-Nahl (16:90)
Logo Symbolism: The logo of MSJ Legal Aid reflects this philosophy-Justice in Qist-a system where fairness is distributed with compassion and wisdom.
Motto: Equitable Justice for All.
Have a legal query but don’t know where to start?
Call our MLA Helpline to:
- Understand your legal rights
- Learn the procedure of courts and tribunals
- Get free legal information from trained case workers
- Receive guidance on next steps for legal action
Available to all across Pakistan
Trained associates respond to your call with empathy and clarity
Multilingual support (Urdu, Punjabi, English available)
Pro Bono Legal Representation
We provide free legal representation—in select cases—to:- Underprivileged individuals
- Women and children in vulnerable circumstances
- Religious and ethnic minorities
- Victims of injustice or abuse of power
- Civil and criminal matters
- Family disputes
- Human rights and constitutional petitions
- Employment or tenancy cases
- Asylum, immigration, or minority rights cases (where applicable abroad)
MLA Highlights
How to Apply for Legal Aid
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Submit a Request
- Use our Online Legal Aid Form or email us at legalaid@msjlegalaid.com
- Alternatively, call the MLA Helpline and request a callback for aid assessment
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Initial Review
- Our team will conduct a preliminary assessment of your case
- You may be asked to submit basic documents (ID, notice, FIR, court order, etc.)
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Eligibility Check
- Legal aid is offered based on merit, need, and MSJ capacity
- Eligibility criteria include:
- Proof of financial hardship
- Public interest or vulnerable status
- No conflict of interest with MSJ’s ongoing matters
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Approval & Allocation
- Cases approved by the MSJ Legal Aid Board are assigned to:
- A pro bono lawyer or legal associate
- Barrister Mian Sheraz Javaid, if the case is of wider public significance
- No conflict of interest with MSJ’s ongoing matters
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Representation Begins
- A Letter of Aid is issued
- You are provided free counsel, subject to agreed terms
Want to Help? Join Us as a Volunteer!
Are you a law student, lawyer, or legal enthusiast? Join our MLA Volunteer Network to assist in case research, outreach, or even provide representation.
Qist - Justice for all
We believe true justice is not delivered in grand verdicts alone—it is delivered in moments of dignity restored, voices heard, and wrongs righted.
Learn About Qist (قِسْط)
"Indeed, Allah commands you to uphold justice (Qist)..."
— Surah An-Nahl (16:90)
Qist (قِسْط) is not just a word. It is a divine command. A sacred obligation. A call to uphold justice with fairness, dignity, and unshakable integrity especially for those whom society forgets.
In the Qur’an, Qist represents the highest form of divine justice one that is impartial, equitable, and merciful. It is justice that speaks for the weak when no one else will. It is the duty to restore balance when injustice has tilted the scales.
At MSJ Legal Aid, Qist is the beating heart of everything we do
We are driven by the belief that justice is not a privilege—it is a right.We serve the oppressed, the voiceless, the minorities, the abandoned, and the underprivileged those who are too often excluded from the system meant to protect them.
We chose the name Qist because:
It’s not just a name, It is a mission to restore balance, uplift the voiceless, and uphold dignity where it’s been denied.
It is Qur’anic.
The word Qist is rooted in the Qur’an, commanded by Allah as a divine principle of justice.
It is moral.
Qist reflects the moral courage to speak truth to power, defend the voiceless, and uphold justice even when it is difficult or unpopular.
It is a mission.
Qist is our unwavering mission to restore justice where it has been denied, protect the vulnerable, and ensure fairness reaches those most overlooked.
Qist stands for justice with principle.
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Justice with compassion.
Qist embodies justice delivered with empathy—balancing the law with humanity, and ensuring dignity and mercy guide every legal step.
Justice without fear.
Qist stands for fearless justice, upholding what is right without bias, hesitation, or influence, even in the face of power or pressure.
This is not charity.
Qist is not an act of generosity, it is a moral and divine responsibility to ensure justice is served as a right, not as a favor.
This is not Aid.
Qist is not optional support, It is a divine command (Amr) from Allah to uphold justice with integrity.