Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, discussed various judicial matters during a meeting with journalists from the Supreme Court Press Association.
He expressed his views on several important issues and emphasized the grave nature of the missing persons issue.
He mentioned that during his visit to Quetta, he frequently heard complaints about this issue, which deeply affected him.
The Chief Justice assured that missing persons cases will be prioritized and attention will be given to resolving this matter.
Justice Afridi also stated that significant reforms are being implemented within the Supreme Court.
To keep litigants informed at every stage of judicial proceedings, their email addresses and WhatsApp numbers will be collected.
Moreover, an effective mechanism for hearing urgent applications is being established.
He shared that special benches have already been set up for election petitions, criminal cases, and tax cases.
The Supreme Court has also decided to resolve two to three old cases daily through these special benches to improve case management.
The Chief Justice announced that deserving litigants will be provided free legal counsel in the district judiciary.
He expressed concern over prisoners’ complaints regarding the delay in case resolutions during his prison visits and hinted at taking swift action to address this issue.
Justice Afridi praised Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s work on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and announced that ADR will start in Islamabad and later expand to other districts.
Through ADR, the judicial burden will be reduced, ensuring prompt justice.
Acknowledging the difficulties the judiciary has faced in the past three to four years, Justice Afridi stated that conditions are improving, and the judiciary is moving forward with collective wisdom.
He mentioned that he shares a brotherly bond with his fellow judges and always prioritizes consultation in all matters.
The Chief Justice also revealed that the Supreme Judicial Council has been activated, and actions are ongoing on complaints against judges. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the judiciary is one of his top priorities.
Justice Afridi asserted that criticism of judges should be constructive, adding that every judge of the Supreme Court is independent and should not be bracketed.
He further mentioned that additional steps are being taken to correct the judiciary’s direction and improve the justice delivery system to restore public trust in the judiciary.
