By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan held an interactive and consultative meeting with representatives of various bar associations at the Supreme Court on Wednesday as part of ongoing stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening the justice sector.
Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan also attended the meeting, which brought together representatives from the Lahore High Court Bar Association, District Bar Association Bahawalnagar, Tehsil Bar Associations of Kabirwala, Mian Channu and Yazman, District Bar Association Sheikhupura, and Islamabad Bar Association.
CJP holds consultative meeting with Bar representatives on judicial reforms
During the meeting, bar representatives appreciated the consultative process and acknowledged the reform measures being undertaken in the justice sector. Discussions focused on judicial reforms, facilitation of lawyers and litigants, improvement of case management systems, reduction of procedural delays, enhancement of access to justice, and capacity-building opportunities for young lawyers.
The Chief Justice observed that the legal fraternity is a key stakeholder in the justice system and emphasized that effective and efficient dispensation of justice depends on continued cooperation and constructive engagement between the bench and the bar.
The participants were briefed on ongoing reform initiatives being implemented through the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.
These initiatives included digitization of judicial processes, e-filing, video-link hearings, public facilitation centres, alternative dispute resolution and mediation frameworks and other citizen-centric judicial reforms.
The Chief Justice also highlighted continuing legal education programmes being conducted by the Federal Judicial Academy, including online and in-person training opportunities for young lawyers and province-specific initiatives aimed at improving professional competence and legal practice standards.
He further informed the participants about reforms relating to women facilitation centres, establishment of e-libraries, solarization of court complexes, provision of clean drinking water, improved digital connectivity, and modernization of judicial infrastructure at the district level.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of the bench and the bar to strengthening judicial independence, improving access to justice, enhancing institutional efficiency, and promoting a responsive, inclusive and citizen-centric justice system in the country.
