Islamabad (Web Desk): At the opening of the new Judicial Year in Islamabad, a judicial conference was held under the chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice (CJP) Yahya Afridi, attended by judges from across the country, the Attorney General, and members of the legal fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, the CJP announced a series of significant reform measures for the judicial system, noting that while work is underway to integrate artificial intelligence into the justice system, it is not yet fully operational.
He explained that reforms have been initiated in five key areas with the aim of ensuring transparency and convenience so that litigants can receive timely justice.
The CJP highlighted that e-services and digital case filing have already been introduced in the courts, while a project to digitally scan 61,000 case files will be completed within six months. Following this, the allocation of cases will begin through the use of artificial intelligence.
He further informed that an internal audit mechanism has been activated to improve institutional performance.
The CJP stated that the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has already decided 64 complaints filed against judges, while opinions are being sought from members on 72 others, and by the end of the month, 65 additional cases will also be referred to judges.
He also announced the establishment of a facilitation center, which will become fully operational from October 1, providing lawyers and litigants with easier access to judicial information.
CJP Afridi emphasized that procedural rules cannot be altered immediately but will be reformed gradually in line with the recommendations of the concerned committees.
He revealed that the security provided to judges in Islamabad’s Red Zone has been reduced to ease protocol restrictions.
The CJP announced that the setting up of an anti-corruption helpline in the Supreme Court and the activation of a special portal to seek public feedback.
He added that rules regarding judicial vacations have now been clarified to ensure that court proceedings remain unhindered during holidays.
Speaking on the occasion, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, while addressing the conference, described adherence to the Constitution and the law as the foundation of a transparent judicial system and stressed that speedy justice must remain a priority.
He added that the top court should make extensive use of technology and artificial intelligence to help reduce case backlogs.
Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, Tahir Nasrullah Warraich, praised the Chief Justice’s initiatives, noting that under his leadership, facilities such as internet connectivity and solarization are being extended to courts in remote areas, which will strengthen the judicial system.
He reiterated that the legal community considers transparency a vital element in the delivery of justice.
Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta also addressed the gathering, affirming that lawyers are the guardians of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
He expressed concern over the devastation caused by recent floods and stressed the urgent need for an effective strategy to address the risks posed by climate change.