CJP Afridi describes agreement as an important step for constitutional governance and fundamental rights in both countries
The ceremony of the agreement on judicial cooperation between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkey in Islamabad. PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s Chief Justice Yahya Afridi on Monday stressed the importance of judicial cooperation with Turkey, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening Pakistan’s judicial system.
His remarks were delivered at a ceremony marking the signing of a judicial cooperation agreement between the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkey in Islamabad.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a structured collaboration framework, focused on judicial exchanges, capacity building and sharing of best practices in adjudication.
Welcoming the Turkish delegation led by Kadir Özkaya, CJP Afridi described the MoU as an “important step for constitutional governance and fundamental rights in both countries”.
Recalling his visit to Turkey, he said, “I had the honor of attending the 63rd anniversary of the Constitutional Court of Turkey. During the visit, I interacted with artificial intelligence experts and expressed my desire to bring such expertise to Pakistan. These experts also participated in our symposium.”
He further highlighted plans to familiarize Pakistani magistrates with the advanced judiciary in Turkiye, saying, “Arrangements have been made for a visit to Turkiye for our magistrates.”
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Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of Turkey, Kadir Özkaya, also spoke at the ceremony, saying: “The judicial system is a fundamental part of life. I am happy to see that Pakistani judges are highly competent.” He highlighted the shared values between the two countries, saying, “We believe in the sovereignty of Allah” and praised the strong brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkey.
The ceremony was also attended by Federal Shariah Court Chief Justice Justice Aminuddin Khan, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and other senior officials.
The high-level Turkish delegation, visiting Islamabad from April 6-9, includes eminent judges and senior civil servants. The MoU is expected to strengthen institutional ties between the higher courts of Pakistan and Turkey, promote professional development of the judiciary, particularly at the district level, and support the integration of modern technologies in judicial processes to improve efficiency, transparency and access to justice.
According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court on Sunday, the memorandum of understanding should establish a structured and forward-looking collaboration framework, focused on judicial exchanges, capacity building and sharing of best practices in adjudication.
The initiative reflects Pakistan and Turkey’s shared commitment to strengthening constitutional governance, upholding the rule of law and strengthening judicial independence, as well as fostering closer institutional ties between their superior courts.
