Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi on Tuesday engaged with delegations of bar associations to discuss judicial reforms and measures aimed at improving access to justice, underscoring the need for continued cooperation between the bench and the bar for effective dispensation of justice.
During meetings held at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a delegation of the Supreme Court Bar Association, led by its President Haroon-ur-Rashid, along with members of the executive committee, held detailed discussions on procedural facilitation and case management.
Key proposals included early issuance of cause lists, provision of one-window services for obtaining certified copies at the Public Facilitation Centre, allowing submission of adjournment and early hearing requests without the involvement of an Advocate-on-Record, and introducing flexibility in case fixation for outstation counsel.
The chief justice observed that the bar is a central stakeholder in the justice system and that efficient delivery of justice depends on constructive engagement with the legal fraternity.
He directed the relevant office to facilitate lawyers, particularly from Balochistan and Sindh, by fixing their cases on designated days of the week to ensure their meaningful participation in court proceedings. Representatives of the bar assured that formal proposals, including those requiring amendments to existing rules, would be submitted in accordance with the law.
Separately, delegations from the Rawalpindi High Court Bar Association, led by Saeed Yousuf Khan, and the Rawalpindi District Bar Association, led by its President Tariq Mehmood Sajid Awan, also called on the chief justice. Discussions focused on improving library facilities and enhancing capacity-building initiatives for lawyers.
Highlighting ongoing citizen-centric judicial reforms, the chief justice informed the delegations about initiatives at the grassroots level, including the establishment of e-libraries, solarization of court complexes, creation of women facilitation centres, and provision of clean drinking water. He said these measures, aimed at improving court infrastructure and access to justice, are targeted for completion by August 2026.
Looking ahead, he said the next phase of reforms would focus on strengthening women facilitation centres under the Gender Responsive Justice Initiative, transforming them into integrated one-window platforms to provide women litigants with legal assistance and essential services in a safe and enabling environment.
The chief justice also apprised the delegations of the continuing legal education programmes offered by the Federal Judicial Academy and encouraged members of the bar to actively participate in structured training to enhance professional competence and contribute to a more responsive justice system.