MUZAFFARABAD – Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi on Saturday underlined the need of using the latest technology to achieve the set targets of the judicial system.
He was addressing a Judicial Conference in connection with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad on Saturday. The Chief Justice said that dispensing timely and effective justice is a constitutional mandate and moral responsibility of the judges.
He reiterated the judiciary’s resolve to foster innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration in building a justice system that is transparent and equitable. The CJP also said that it was heartening to witness the “spirit of judicial fraternity between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)” and extended “full constitutional [and] institutional support” from the Supreme Court to the AJK judiciary.
“I earnestly urge my brother judges and my respected bar members of [AJK] to keep three foundational fundamentals in mind in progressing with their future,” CJP Afridi said.
“I earnestly state, firstly, it is neither us sitting on the bench, nor for the worthy, respected bar members standing on the roster, but the litigant whose interest must always remain supreme.” He added that secondly, the relationship between the bench and the bar “should always be cordial, constructive and considered”. “Mind you, without this cohesion between the two pillars, there can be no guarantee for preserving the rule of law or ensuring any reform to go forward,” CJP Afridi emphasised.
“Thirdly, and finally … technology has to be integrated in the justice delivery process. Only then can the ultimate aim be achieved,” he added. “What is the ultimate end? [For] justice delivery to become efficient, transparent, and above all, citizen-centric.”
CJP Afridi added that Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar was committed to supporting the AJK judiciary’s automation. “In any respect that you require, we are there and we stand ready to share experiences, extend technical cooperation and jointly build a future where the quality and accessibility of justice is strengthened across the board,” the CJP stated.