Judicial Reforms Unveiled by Chief Justice of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi has introduced an extensive judicial reform strategy under the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee, as reported. The main goals encompass the creation of exemplary criminal trial courts, strict timeframes for quickly resolving civil and criminal cases, implementing a professional excellence evaluation, and creating moral standards for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial system.

Addressing a national symposium in Islamabad at the Federal Judicial Academy, centred on “The Human Dimension of Responsive Justice”, he emphasised the need for shared wisdom over individual desires. He noted that reforms cannot be sustained or effective without the commitment of all relevant parties.

The symposium convened judges from higher and district courts, legal professionals, development partners, and institutional stakeholders for significant discussions on enhancing Pakistan’s judicial system.

Esteemed panellists at the symposium included Justice Wiqar Ahmad (Peshawar High Court), Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir (Islamabad High Court), Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi (High Court of Balochistan), Justice Jawad Akbar Sarwana (High Court of Sindh), and Justice Abher Gul Khan (Lahore High Court), alongside registrars of the high courts and directors general from judicial academies.

In his primary address, CJP Afridi highlighted the crucial need to incorporate the human element into judicial reforms by acknowledging the emotional, psychological, and institutional pressures experienced by judges, particularly at the district level. He asserted that a judge with strong institutional support is better positioned to be impartial, focused, and effectively responsive, reaffirming his dedication to ensuring the judiciary’s dignity, protection, and institutional backing.

Particular emphasis was given to the welfare of the district judiciary, with reforms aimed at addressing undue influence, performance assessment, uniform recruitment procedures, equitable service conditions, and greater opportunities for international exposure.

He also revealed forthcoming memoranda of understanding with the Supreme Court of China and the Constitutional Court of Türkiye to promote judicial collaboration, including the interchange of judicial officials.

The CJP acknowledged the judiciary’s inherent resilience and concluded with a firm promise: “This day is not a tribute — it is a promise. You are not alone! The entire institution stands behind you”.

Subsequently, the symposium reached its conclusion with the unanimous approval of the Islamabad Declaration on Judicial Wellbeing, which designates judicial wellbeing as a crucial element for a responsive and lasting justice system. The declaration underscored that judicial wellbeing is not just a minor issue but an essential part of ensuring a justice system that is responsive, equitable, and sustainable.

Similarly, it recognized that judicial stress, social segregation, and unmanageable workloads undermine both personal respect and organizational effectiveness, thus demanding the immediate attention of policymakers, judicial leaders, and justice sector bodies. The declaration affirmed the necessity of incorporating the human dimension of judging into all judicial reforms, particularly those related to case management, court facilities, staffing, performance evaluations, and digital integration.

It was determined to incorporate judicial wellbeing as a fundamental aspect of institutional reform strategies at both national and provincial levels, through policies, training initiatives, support systems, and monitoring frameworks. The declaration also conveyed its dedication to cultivating a judicial atmosphere that cherishes empathy, emotional strength, collegiality, and institutional care, ensuring that those who administer justice can do so with health, dignity, and confidence.

The declaration appealed to all key participants, stakeholders, and development partners to work together in creating and putting into action a National Judicial Wellbeing Framework aimed at securing a resilient and responsive justice system.