ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi has introduced comprehensive reforms to modernize the country’s judicial system, aiming to uphold transparency, justice, and maintain high standards of the judiciary.
In a statement issued by the Supreme Court, it was announced that the Chief Justice has incorporated advanced information technology into the judicial system to make it more effective and efficient.
One of the key features of the new system is the introduction of electronic affidavits (e-affidavits), which simplify the process of filing cases and make it easier for lawyers and litigants to obtain certified copies of legal documents.
Recognizing the importance of district courts, Justice Yahya Afridi has visited remote areas to observe the challenges and resource constraints faced by these courts.
To promote transparency and public confidence, a feedback mechanism has been established, allowing litigants, civil society, and lawyers to provide their input.
To ensure transparency in appointments, Justice Afridi has formed several committees comprising senior judges and Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan.
These committees will oversee the appointment processes for key judicial positions, including the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), and the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
The committee for appointing the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission will be headed by Justice Yahya Afridi, with Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Shahid Waheed serving as part of the interview panel. Provincial chief secretaries will nominate candidates for this role.
For the appointment of the Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, a separate committee has been formed, comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, and the Attorney General.
Similarly, the committee for appointing the Secretary of the Supreme Judicial Council includes Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, and the Attorney General of Pakistan.
These committees will conduct interviews for candidates, including serving and retired district and session judges nominated by the chief justices of the five high courts and provincial chief secretaries.
In a related development, the Pakistan Bar Council has elected Chaudhry Tahir Nasrullah Warraich from Lahore as its Vice Chairman for 2025, while Muhammad Tariq Afridi from Peshawar has been inducted as a member of the Executive Committee.
