Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Yahya Afridi, has initiated a significant move to shield the judiciary from external pressures by proposing amendments to the judicial Code of Conduct, a development that came during a high-level meeting where the Attorney General also declared the pressing issue of enforced disappearances as “largely resolved.”
The CJP’s proposal was a focal point of the 55th meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), held at the Supreme Court. Justice Afridi informed participants that the proposed changes aim to create an institutional framework to counter external influence, incorporating provisions previously sanctioned by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) in 1967 and 2003.
The amendments received unanimous endorsement from the Chief Justices of all High Courts. They recommended that the CJP, in his capacity as NJPMC Chairman, formally present the proposals to the SJC for its ultimate approval.
During the session, the Attorney General for Pakistan briefed the forum on progress regarding enforced disappearances. He stated that recent amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, which mandate the production of detainees before a magistrate within 24 hours, have been effective. He assured the committee that the government is considering a comprehensive mechanism to address any instances of non-compliance.
The committee also deliberated on strategies to accelerate justice in commercial, revenue, and fiscal matters. Recommendations included establishing specialized benches and reforming tribunal structures to deter frivolous litigation. In this context, the Lahore High Court was lauded for its remarkable achievement of resolving 922 tax cases in just three weeks.
Significant progress in case management was reported across the country. The Peshawar High Court was commended for launching Pakistan’s first double-docket court in Abbottabad. Furthermore, Model Civil Trial Courts established nationwide have shown success, with the Lahore High Court clearing 12,278 old cases in 45 days and the Balochistan High Court resolving 586 similar cases.
The committee reviewed extensive reforms for judicial recruitment, training, and performance assessment. Key proposals included creating Judicial Recruitment Directorates at all High Courts, instituting a mandatory 10-month training program for new judges, and implementing data-driven evaluation systems. The CJP also suggested regular counselling sessions for judicial officers.
Looking towards modernization, the NJPMC examined Draft Ethical Guidelines for the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in judicial proceedings. The committee directed the finalization of this framework, developed by the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC), for approval at its next gathering.
To enhance public trust and transparency, the committee decided to formulate a national communication strategy. A subcommittee, comprising the Chief Justices of the Lahore and Sindh High Courts and the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), was formed to develop the plan.
The meeting concluded with the CJP expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in strengthening judicial administration and reaffirming the commitment to an efficient, transparent, and technology-driven justice system.