The Chief Justice of Pakistan on Tuesday stressed that a sustained and robust partnership between the bench and the bar is indispensable for the timely and effective administration of justice, calling the two entities integral components of a unified legal system.

The nation’s top judge made these remarks during a meeting with the outgoing and newly elected cabinets of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) at the Supreme Court. The departing delegation was led by Rauf Atta, while the incoming team was headed by its new leader, Haroon ur Rasheed.

The Chief Justice extended his congratulations to the newly elected office bearers and acknowledged the supportive role played by the outgoing cabinet. He underscored that effective justice delivery hinges on the consistent coordination between judges and lawyers.

Briefing the delegation on ongoing institutional reforms, the Chief Justice highlighted the establishment of Public Facilitation Centers at the Principal Seat and branch registries. These centers are designed to offer a single-window service for litigants and lawyers, ensuring prompt access to information and efficient grievance redressal.

He assured the legal representatives that the system would undergo continuous improvement based on feedback from the legal fraternity, litigants, and visitors, welcoming constructive suggestions at every stage of its development.

Regarding court procedures, the Chief Justice reiterated that case listings are managed strictly according to the official policy detailed on the Supreme Court’s website. He added that applications for early hearings are decided on merit, provided they are supported by legitimate grounds for urgency.

In a move to modernize the judicial process, he explained that technology is being leveraged to reduce procedural costs and streamline services for both the legal community and the public. He also reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s commitment to operating within its constitutional mandate while fully respecting the administrative and judicial autonomy of the High Courts.

The incoming SCBA cabinet was assured that the Supreme Court would maintain an open and constructive engagement with the bar and that the concerns of lawyers would be addressed with due attention. The CJP expressed confidence that the cooperative relationship would continue to strengthen.

Members of the departing cabinet expressed their gratitude to the Chief Justice for his consistent support and timely attention to matters concerning the bar, appreciating his engagement with legal representatives nationwide. In turn, the newly elected cabinet pledged its full collaboration with the judiciary to advance an accessible, transparent, and efficient justice system.

The meeting concluded with the Chief Justice presenting shields to the outgoing cabinet members as a token of respect, while the delegation reciprocated by presenting a memento to the Chief Justice.