Imagine a justice system that truly puts citizens first—efficient, transparent, and accessible. That’s the vision Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, is relentlessly pursuing. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a centuries-old institution like the judiciary really transform itself to meet modern demands? In a bold move, Justice Afridi chaired the eighth interactive progress review session at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, aiming to answer that very question.
Held in Islamabad on November 20, the meeting brought together key figures like Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Chairman of the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC), alongside senior officials, technical experts, and section heads. Their mission? To assess the monthly progress of the Reform Action Plan (RAP) and chart the course for pending initiatives and upcoming milestones.
Among the attendees were the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Director General (Reforms), IT Advisor Mr. Hamayun Zafar, section heads of the Supreme Court, the Director General of the Federal Judicial Academy, and the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP). Together, they dissected the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to modernize, streamline, and strengthen its public-facing services.
Of the 86 initiatives outlined in the RAP, 36 have been completed, 45 are in progress, and 13 are set to begin soon. And this is the part most people miss: these numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent a judiciary actively working to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. From digitizing over 126,000 records (surpassing the initial target of 61,900) to launching the Standardization and Quality Assurance process, the reforms are tangible and accelerating.
The meeting also spotlighted advancements in automation, including software upgrades, enhanced IT integration, and the introduction of QR-coded certified copies. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can technology truly revolutionize justice delivery, or will it create new barriers for those less tech-savvy? To address this, focused group discussions for the E Courts project are slated at the Federal Judicial Academy, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecom and the Pakistan Digital Authority. Their goal? A master plan for end-to-end digitization across all courts, from district levels to the Supreme Court.
Public facilitation took center stage too. The Chief Justice praised improvements in the call and complaint system, as well as the proactive outreach mechanism for gathering citizen feedback. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and mediation initiatives were also highlighted, alongside updates on performance and security audits. Boldly stated: Justice Afridi emphasized that financial discipline and regular audits aren’t just bureaucratic requirements—they’re the backbone of transparent governance.
Wrapping up, the Chief Justice urged all departments to expedite pending tasks ahead of the next review, stressing that measurable progress is key to maintaining public trust. He reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s commitment to a litigant-focused justice system, calling timely adjudication both a constitutional duty and a moral imperative.
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you believe these reforms will make the justice system more accessible and fair? Or are there deeper challenges that technology and policy alone can’t solve? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that matters.
