Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi led a significant conference in Peshawar on Friday to address the critical need for better collaboration between Bar Associations and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) to enhance the justice system.
The gathering aimed to improve the administration of justice and ensure the legal community”s participation in legal and policy changes. Justice S.M Attique Shah, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court; Tahir Warraich, Vice Chairman, Pakistan Bar Council; and other prominent figures from the legal community, government, and judiciary attended the meeting.
Justice Afridi shared observations from his visits to remote districts across all provinces, noting that despite development funding, lack of inter-agency coordination has hindered effective implementation. He stressed the inclusion of Bar Associations in judicial development programs, particularly those related to judicial complexes.
To address this, the LJCP will deploy senior representatives to each province, stationed at High Courts, to act as liaisons with district bar associations. These representatives will promote awareness of justice sector programs, pinpoint local needs, and oversee local reforms.
Bar Associations will be asked to submit development proposals to District Development Committees led by District and Sessions Judges. Federal and provincial officials will participate to expedite execution and avoid resource duplication.
The CJP urged bar representatives to actively involve their members in these reforms and directed that government support to Bar Associations be streamlined for maximum impact and cost-effectiveness. He urged provincial departments to work with designated officers for timely project implementation.
Acknowledging issues like poor infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and limited digital access in remote districts, he emphasized the need for focused interventions. Provincial governments will incorporate these programs into their annual justice sector plans, prioritizing shade for female litigants and gender-specific facilities in remote areas.
The CJP also encouraged Bar Associations to utilize the Judicial Academy”s Continuing Legal Education programs, instructing wide dissemination of the training calendar. Bar representatives applauded the inclusive approach and thanked the CJP for addressing the challenges faced by litigants and legal professionals. Federal and provincial stakeholders pledged full cooperation to achieve accessible, efficient, and citizen-focused justice delivery.