Judge Masoor Ali Shah addresses judiciary challenges in Pakistan

The Senior Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Masoor Ali Shah, expressed his concerns about the state of the country's judiciary during a panel discussion at the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore. He highlighted the presence of mafias influencing the system and criticized the number of pending cases, which currently stands at two million across various levels of the judiciary. Judge Shah emphasized the need for technological advancements to track case progress efficiently and suggested a revamp in the appointment process for judges.

He stressed the importance of removing non-performing and corrupt judges from the system to maintain its integrity. Judge Shah also addressed the issue of adjournments causing delays in case resolutions, urging bar associations to address this matter. He pointed out the significant population growth in Pakistan, leading to a strain on the judge-to-population ratio and an overwhelming number of daily case registrations.

Furthermore, he advocated for an increase in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) centers to handle a higher percentage of cases, aligning with global practices where ADRs resolve a majority of legal disputes. Judge Shah also highlighted the need for a review of judicial practices worldwide and commended Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa for endorsing the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act as a step towards improving the system.

In conclusion, the judiciary in Pakistan faces challenges such as high case pendency, inadequate judge-to-population ratio, and the influence of mafias on the legal system. Judge Shah's recommendations for technological integration, judicial reforms, and increased ADR centers aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary, ultimately ensuring timely and fair justice for the people.