According to the guidelines, AI is considered a powerful assistive tool that will improve performance while preserving human judgment.
Police officers walk past the Supreme Court of Pakistan building, in Islamabad, Pakistan April 6, 2022. REUTERS
The National Judicial Policy Development Committee (NJPMC) on Wednesday officially released national guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial institutions.
According to the statement issued by the Supreme Court, the NJPMC, in its 57th meeting, put in place a “clear and forward-looking framework” for integrating AI into judicial processes across the country.
“At a time when courts are facing increasing workloads and increasing demands for efficiency and transparency, the Guidelines position AI as a powerful assistive tool, which improves judicial performance while firmly preserving human judgment, constitutional guarantees and judicial independence,” the text states.
The statement also highlights that key guidelines include a human-centered approach that will “assist – and not replace – judicial decision-making, ensuring that judges remain the final arbiters”.
He added that ethical and transparent use was a priority, with strong safeguards in place to reduce bias and focus on explainability and accountability.
The guidelines also emphasize data protection, ensuring strict standards on data privacy and security to protect litigants and stakeholders.
Practical applications of AI include assisting with “case management, legal research, predictive analytics, and document processing.”
The guidelines call for capacity building, providing training to judges and court staff to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies.
The statement said the framework was developed through an extensive consultative process led by the National Judicial Automation Committee (NJAC), headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. Feedback from all high courts and expert institutions has been incorporated, aligning the guidelines with international best practices while adhering to the constitutional and institutional context of Pakistan.
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While establishing a unified national standard, “the guidelines respect the administrative and judicial autonomy of the high courts, allowing each jurisdiction to tailor implementation according to its specific needs and capabilities.”
He added that the initiative marked “an important milestone in Pakistan’s judicial reform process – striking a judicious balance between technological innovation and enduring principles of justice, fairness and independence.”
