Islamabad:
The chief judge of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi underlined the urgent need to “humanize judicial reforms” by recognizing the emotional, psychological and institutional pressures facing the judges, in particular at the level of the district.
The CJP addressed a national symposium on Friday at the Federal Judicial Academy to mark International Day for Judicial Welfare. The theme of the symposium was “the human dimension of reactive justice”.
The event brought together the judges of the higher judiciary and district, legal experts, development partners and institutional stakeholders for a historical dialogue on legal well-being in Pakistan.
Addressing the event, the Afridi judge said that a judge, who is supported by institution is better able to be fair, concentrated and effective. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensure dignity, protection and institutional support for the judiciary.
The CJP has described a series of judicial reform initiatives conducted by the National Judicial Committee (development of policies), in particular the creation of models of criminal jurisprus, the issuance of deadlines for the rapid elimination of civil and criminal affairs and the development of an index of professional excellence.
He also referred to the formulation of ethical directives for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judiciary.
He said that the Committee has put particular emphasis on the well-being of the district judicial power, the reforms on foreign influence, performance assessment, standardized recruitment, parity in terms of service and improved access to the international exhibition.
He also announced the next memoranda of understanding with the Supreme Court of China and the Constitutional Court of Türkiye for judicial cooperation, including the exchange of justice administrators.
The CJP paid tribute to the silent force of the judiciary and ended with a resolved commitment: “This day is not only a tribute – it is a promise. You are not alone. The whole institution is behind you.”
The symposium then adopted an “Islamabad declaration on judicial well-being”, calling for judicial well-being as a “structural imperative” for a reactive and sustainable justice system.
The declaration confirmed the need to incorporate judicial well -being in all areas of reform – case management, digital integration and infrastructure.
