Promient Supreme Court advocate and human rights activist Zia Ahmed Awan today filed a constitutional petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan for solution to the grave challenges facing Karachi’s judicial infrastructure and the difficulties litigants encounter in accessing justice.
The petition mentioned the flaws in the judicial infrastructure and presented practical solutions for reform. Several prominent lawyers have pledged to advocate for this petition.
Informing about the details of the petition while addressing representatives from print, electronic, and digital media at a press conference held at the Sindh High Court’s media corner, Mr Awan, accompanied by his fellow lawyers, stated that this constitutional petition identified several critical issues within Karachi’s judicial infrastructure, including poorly distributed courts, rampant corruption, a slow and ineffective bailiff system, ineffective security systems, lack of fire safety equipment, insufficient restroom facilities, and inadequate provisions for differently-abled individuals.
Elaborating on the background of the reforms proposed in the petition, he cited the initiative by former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to relocate all federal courts in Karachi to one building. He said: “Qazi Faez Isa’s vision laid the foundation for improving judicial processes and enhancing coordination among courts.” He also mentioned the ongoing work under the leadership of LahoreHigh Court Chief Justice Neelam Munir for establishing a central judicial complex in Lahore as an exemplary model.
“Regionally, India also has central judicial complexes in Delhi and Mumbai, where special programs
for witness protection have been initiated, along with facilities like ramps, designated seating, and accessible washrooms for people with disabilities. All these steps serve as guidance for the proposed reforms in Karachi’s courts,” Awan informed.
He further explained that developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom already have such systems in place in their judicial systems. Regarding the recommendations outlined in the petition, Awan explained that it suggests consolidating Karachi’s courts into a central judicial complex.
Awan stated: “This complex would feature modern facilities, including specialized arrangements for differently-abled individuals, enhanced security measures, and comprehensive systems for witness protection. The complex aims to streamline access to justice for litigants, lawyers, and judicial staff, while also reducing unnecessary delays in judicial proceedings.”
Discussing additional proposals, Awan emphasized the need for eliminating encroachments within court premises, improving sanitation, and ensuring proper parking arrangements until the central judicial complex is constructed. He stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for female lawyers and litigants and suggested providing green spaces and facilities to reduce stress and promote mental well-being for judicial staff.
He also highlighted the urgent need to install modern fire safety systems, including fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency exits, to safeguard lives and minimize potential damage. The petition further recommends establishing a polyclinic and an emergency medical unit within court premises to ensure access to basic healthcare. Additionally, the availability of clean and sufficient restroom facilities and accessible infrastructure, such as ramps, wheelchairs, and elevators for differently abled and elderly individuals, has been prioritized.
Awaan also highlighted the flaws in the bailiff system in Karachi’s judiciary and recommended measures to address them in his petition. He stated that the role of the bailiff in the judicial system is of great importance as they ensure compliance with and enforcement of court orders. Zia sats several issues persist in the current bailiff system, including insufficient training, corruption, limited resources, and lack of modern technology.
“These problems lead to delays in enforcing court orders and ineffective performance. Our recommendations include providing modern training programs for bailiffs, ensuring the availability of necessary resources and facilities, and promoting the use of technology,” he added.
Further discussing corruption, Awan stated that establishing a sub-office based on anti corruption within the High Court’s MIT branch immediately, followed by the creation of a separate branch at the Central Judicial Complex, is also part of the recommendations in our constitutional petition to address this issue within the judicial system.
He stated that this constitutional petition is a crucial step toward removing obstacles in the path of justice for Karachi’s citizens and modernizing the judicial infrastructure. He emphasized that collective efforts and public support could turn these reforms into reality.
“Access to justice is a fundamental right of every citizen, and the involvement of lawyers and the public in this endeavor is of utmost importance,” Awan concluded