CJP highlights need for justice, praises subordinate judiciary

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the Chief Justice said district courts form the backbone of the country’s judicial system and acknowledged the efforts of judges

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi has stressed the need to strengthen the rule of law, urging all state institutions to perform their responsibilities effectively to ensure timely and fair justice.

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, the Chief Justice said district courts form the backbone of the country’s judicial system and acknowledged the efforts of judges in the subordinate judiciary who continue to perform their duties despite numerous challenges.

Justice Afridi expressed confidence in the subordinate judiciary and said greater coordination between district courts and the High Courts was essential for improving the delivery of justice. He called for district courts to identify and communicate their requirements so that necessary measures could be taken to facilitate judicial proceedings.

The Chief Justice said one of the judiciary’s key objectives was to empower judges at the grassroots level and enable them to earn and maintain the confidence of the public.

He also highlighted changes to the judicial Code of Conduct aimed at protecting judges from external pressures. According to Justice Afridi, the judiciary stands firmly behind judges in ensuring that they can perform their duties independently and without undue influence.

Justice Afridi, who is the first Chief Justice of Pakistan from the tribal areas, also paid tribute to judges who have made sacrifices while carrying out their responsibilities in the pursuit of justice.

He emphasised that an independent and empowered subordinate judiciary was essential for strengthening public confidence in the justice system and ensuring the effective rule of law across the country.