CJP Afridi Engages Academics for Judicial Reforms in Pakistan

In recent years, the justice system in Pakistan has faced numerous challenges, including delays in case processing, lack of transparency, and limited access for the common citizen. Recognizing these issues, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has taken a proactive approach to reform the judicial sector. On Thursday, he convened a significant meeting with academics and experts to discuss essential reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery and broadening access to justice.

During the meeting held in Islamabad, CJP Afridi emphasized the critical need to build information technology (IT) capacity within the judicial system. He pointed out that a thorough business process analysis is necessary to identify and address existing bottlenecks. The discussions were constructive, with participants agreeing that these initiatives would lead to a more accessible, transparent, and efficient justice system.

All representatives present at the meeting expressed their commitment to supporting these reform efforts. It was decided that focal persons from participating universities would work closely with the Supreme Court’s team to implement this transformative agenda. CJP Afridi welcomed the attendees and highlighted the various challenges that Pakistan’s justice system currently faces. He made it clear that the reforms would impact every level of the judiciary, starting from the Supreme Court and extending down to lower courts.

In his address, the CJP stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, stating that feedback from all stakeholders—including judges, lawyers, litigants, and citizens—would be vital in developing a responsive and effective judicial system. He also acknowledged the invaluable role of academia in this process, inviting universities to lend their expertise to improve judicial efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mohammad Saleem Khan, spoke about the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the justice sector, setting a clear agenda for enhanced service delivery. Development expert Sher Shah outlined the CJP’s vision for reform and presented foundational plans that serve as stepping stones toward medium-term and long-term improvements.

Hamayoon Zafar elaborated on the judiciary’s digital transformation roadmap, detailing short-, medium-, and long-term objectives aimed at modernizing the system through technology. The meeting was attended by distinguished academics from Pakistan’s leading universities, including Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor of Lahore University of Management Sciences; Dr. Aftab, Rector of Fast University; and Prof. Dr. Fazal Khalid, Rector of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, among others.

The collective efforts of these experts and the Supreme Court aim to lay the groundwork for comprehensive justice sector reforms. As these discussions unfold, it is crucial for all stakeholders to remain engaged and committed to the vision of a more just and equitable system. The success of these reforms will not only enhance the efficiency of the judiciary but also restore public trust in the legal system, ultimately benefiting every citizen in Pakistan.