Category: 1. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has assured that the country’s top judiciary firmly supports every honest judicial officer, as he announced sweeping institutional reforms—ranging from introducing two court shifts to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into judicial processes.

Speaking at a conference held at the Federal Judicial Academy in Islamabad on Friday, the CJP underscored the judiciary’s commitment to both structural reforms and the well-being of its officers.

“While judges are expected to remain composed, impartial, and principled, they are human too and require care,” he remarked, adding that district judiciary judges form a vital part of the judicial system.

CJP Afridi announced several initiatives under discussion, including the establishment of a commercial litigation corridor—a move that will centralise corporate matters under dedicated benches at the high court and Supreme Court level to ensure consistency and reduce delays.

Also Read: Pakistan calls on tech firms to curb terror content

He also highlighted the proposed double-docket regime, involving the introduction of morning and evening court shifts. The idea, however, has been left to the discretion of provincial high courts, which will present their inputs in a follow-up meeting scheduled for August 18.

On the criminal justice side, model criminal trial courts will be designated to take up the oldest pending trials before the sessions courts. These cases will be heard on a day-to-day basis to expedite justice.

A significant development also came in the form of court-annexed mediation. CJP Afridi said that 20 trained judicial officers will lead mediation efforts, beginning with one district in each province. Progress will be reviewed after three months before expansion is considered.

He further announced that the judiciary was preparing to incorporate ethical use of AI in court processes. “Integrating AI into our justice delivery system is a top priority, but its adoption must not be blind or uncritical,” the CJP said, revealing that the National Judicial Automation Committee, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, has been tasked with developing an ethical framework.

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The CJP also touched on judicial appointments, stating that decisions on assigning judicial responsibilities to competent lawyers in both subordinate courts and high courts would be made in consultation with stakeholders.

A committee led by retired Supreme Court judge Rahmat Hussain Jafri has been formed for broader institutional reform, including Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court Justice Rozi Khan, all high court registrars, and the DG of the Federal Judicial Academy.

The CJP said judicial training agreements had been signed with the Supreme People’s Court of China and the Supreme Court of Turkiye, under which 30 judicial officers from Pakistan will receive training in China next year.

Also Read: COAS reaffirms defence, security cooperation during China visit

 

“I assure you, the Chief Justice of Pakistan is committed to your welfare,” he told the gathering, adding, “The entire judicial institution stands with the subordinate courts. But institutional reform takes time.”

Also addressing the event, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb underlined the immense pressure faced by the judiciary. “Whether it’s the judicial workload or executive responsibilities, when the pressure mounts, the delivery of justice suffers,” he noted.

He stressed the need to recognise the judiciary’s contribution, remarking that courts in Pakistan—from district benches to superior courts—carry the country’s heaviest workload. “Justice delivery must be viewed with respect and dignity. This is our demand from both the executive and the state,” he added.

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LAHORE, Jul 25 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a weather alert for the fifth spell of monsoon rains, expected to hit most districts of the province from July 28 to 31.

According to the forecast, heavy rains are likely in Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad. Rain is also predicted in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Okara.

From July 29 to 31, rains are expected in southern Punjab including Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, and Rajanpur.

Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has directed all commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness at the district level. There is a potential threat of urban flooding in major cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad.

Instructions have been issued to Civil Defense, Rescue 1122, and other relevant institutions to finalize advance arrangements. Emergency control room staff have been advised to stay alert round the clock, while Rescue 1122’s disaster response teams are to remain on high alert.

In line with the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the PDMA has advised the public to follow all precautionary guidelines. Due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall, there is a risk of landslides in Murree and Galiyat, as well as potential damage to mud houses and already weakened buildings.

Tourists and passengers are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain in safe locations during potential flash floods. The PDMA has warned against crossing flowing water in vehicles under any circumstances.

In case of emergencies, citizens are advised to contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.

• Retreat aims to chart path toward meaningful outcomes at COP29.
• Discussions focused on key issues such as climate financing.
• Minister notes Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change.
  

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Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Malik, urged global climate leaders to honour climate finance commitments and strengthen cooperation between developed and developing nations.

He made these remarks during the COP29 Heads of Delegation (HoD) Retreat held in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.

The retreat, a closed-door dialogue between Heads of Delegation from across the globe, aimed to build trust and chart a path toward meaningful outcomes at COP29, scheduled for later this year in Azerbaijan.

Discussions focused on key unresolved issues such as climate financing, loss and damage mechanisms, and bridging the implementation gap in emissions reduction pledges.

Speaking during the high-level gathering, Malik emphasised the need for “climate justice, equity, and stronger collaboration between the Global North and South” in tackling the escalating climate crisis.

He highlighted Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change, noting that despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the country faces severe climate-related disasters including floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

“The time for promises is over. Developing countries like Pakistan need inclusive and transparent access to climate finance, technology, and adaptation support,” said Malik. “The world cannot afford delay — the Paris Agreement must be honoured in both letter and spirit.”

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a climate-resilient and sustainable development pathway, and its active participation in shaping a fair and effective international climate framework.

The minister also called on developed nations to meet their pledged contributions to the $100 billion annual climate finance goal, a promise made under the 2015 Paris Agreement to help poorer countries cope with climate impacts.

Pakistan, ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries globally, has in recent years faced deadly monsoons and rising temperatures that have displaced millions and damaged infrastructure.

The country has been a vocal advocate for equitable climate action and greater support for adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Global South.

The HoD retreat marks an important milestone in the lead-up to COP29, offering an opportunity for countries to align on key priorities ahead of formal negotiations.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has held a series of meetings with top Chinese political and military leaders and discussed with them defense modernization to combat transnational threats, the Pakistani military said on Friday.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in South Asia after a four-day military standoff between Pakistan and India that saw the two neighbors attack each other with fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery in their worst fighting in more than two decades.

Pakistan declared a victory in the standoff, saying its air force used Chinese J-10C aircraft to shoot down six Indian fighter jets, including three French Rafales, and the army targeted several Indian military installations during the recent flare-up.

Meanwhile, India plans to launch a $234 million incentive program for civil and military drone makers to reduce their reliance on imported components and counter rival Pakistan’s program built on support from China and Turkiye, Reuters reported this month.

“These engagements featured comprehensive exchanges on defense and security cooperation, including counterterrorism collaboration, joint training, defense modernization, and enhanced institutional linkages,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing said, after Field Marshal Munir’s meetings with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and top military commanders.

“Emphasis was placed on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to confront hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership reiterated full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defense partnership and acknowledged Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace.”

The India-Pakistan conflict, triggered by an attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, offered the world a first real glimpse into how advanced Chinese military technology performs against proven Western hardware, with Chinese defense stocks surging as a result.

A rising military superpower, China hasn’t fought a major war in more than four decades but has raced under President Xi Jinping to modernize its armed forces, pouring resources into developing sophisticated weaponry and cutting-edge technologies. It has also extended that modernization drive to Pakistan, long hailed by Beijing as its “ironclad brother.”

Over the past five years, China has supplied 81 percent of Pakistan’s imported weapons, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Those exports include advanced fighter jets, missiles, radars and air-defense systems. Some Pakistan-made weapons have also been co-developed with Chinese firms or built with Chinese technology and expertise. Beijing is also investing over $60 billion to build infrastructure, energy and other projects in Pakistan as part of its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

India and China, on the other hand, are competing regional giants and nuclear powers and widely seen as long-term strategic rivals, sharing a 3,800 Himalayan border that has been disputed since the 1950s and sparked a brief war in 1962.

Field Marshal Munir’s official visit reaffirms the “ironclad strategic partnership” between Pakistan and China, the Pakistani military said.

“Discussions focused on the evolving regional and global political landscape, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to shared geopolitical challenges,” the ISPR said.

“Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability. The Chinese leadership lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace in South Asia.”

On the military side, Field Marshal Munir held meetings with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army and Lt. Gen. Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of PLA Army.

Upon arrival at the PLA Army Headquarters, he was presented with a guard of honor, symbolizing the longstanding camaraderie between the two armed forces.

During the meetings, Field Marshal Munir appreciated China’s consistent support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further expanding military-to-military cooperation across all domains.

“The visit reflects the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two brotherly nations and underscores their shared resolve to advance regional security through sustained high-level dialogue and engagements,” the ISPR added.

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SHAMAKHI, Jul 25 (APP): Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, urged global climate leaders to honour climate finance commitments and strengthen cooperation between developed and developing nations during the COP29 Heads of Delegation (HoD) Retreat held in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the high-level gathering, Dr. Malik emphasized the need for “climate justice, equity, and stronger collaboration between the Global North and South” in tackling the escalating climate crisis.

He highlighted Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate change, noting that despite contributing minimally to global emissions, the country faces severe climate-related disasters including floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

“The time for promises is over. Developing countries like Pakistan need inclusive and transparent access to climate finance, technology, and adaptation support,” said Dr. Malik. “The world cannot afford delay — the Paris Agreement must be honoured in both letter and spirit.”

The retreat, a closed-door dialogue between Heads of Delegation from across the globe, aimed to build trust and chart a path toward meaningful outcomes at COP29, scheduled for later this year in Azerbaijan.

Discussions focused on key unresolved issues such as climate financing, loss and damage mechanisms, and bridging the implementation gap in emissions reduction pledges.

Dr. Malik reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a climate-resilient and sustainable development pathway, and its active participation in shaping a fair and effective international climate framework.

He called on developed nations to meet their pledged contributions to the $100 billion annual climate finance goal, a promise made under the 2015 Paris Agreement to help poorer countries cope with climate impacts.

Pakistan, ranked among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries globally, has in recent years faced deadly monsoons and rising temperatures that have displaced millions and damaged infrastructure.

The country has been a vocal advocate for equitable climate action and greater support for adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Global South.

The HoD retreat marks an important milestone in the lead-up to COP29, offering an opportunity for countries to align on key priorities ahead of formal negotiations.