Senate raises concern over 58 delayed law reforms

Islamabad: As many as 58 of the 143 law reform reports approved by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan remain unimplemented, raising concerns in the Senate over delays in putting justice reforms into practice.

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, reviewed the working of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan and its progress on law reform, case management and access to justice.

The committee was told that out of 143 approved Law Reform Reports, 46 recommendations had been implemented, 33 were partly implemented and 58 remained unimplemented.

The committee expressed concern over the large number of recommendations still awaiting implementation and called for a stronger system to follow up with the relevant authorities.

Chairman Farooq Hamid Naek asked the commission to provide a report on every recommendation, showing which ones had been implemented, partly implemented, were still pending or had not been accepted. He also asked for reasons why recommendations had not been acted upon.

The meeting also focused on the long delays faced by people in courts. Members raised concerns about cases remaining pending for long periods and litigants waiting for hearings and final decisions.

The committee said judicial policies would have little effect unless they were properly implemented and produced visible improvements for ordinary people seeking justice.

The commission informed the committee that fixing individual cases was not part of its mandate. However, it briefed the members on policies for case fixation and case management, including arrangements for urgent matters.

Chairman Naek stressed that better case management was necessary for quicker disposal of cases and improved access to justice. He said reforms aimed at reducing delays should result in measurable improvements in court administration and services.

The committee also reviewed electronic filing reforms in the Supreme Court and High Courts. Members stressed that digital systems should make court procedures easier for litigants and lawyers instead of creating new difficulties.

The commission also briefed the committee on the Access to Justice Development Fund. The committee was informed that the fund had an initial amount of Rs1,421 million in 2005 and had earned cumulative investment income of Rs4,057.14 million up to June 30, 2026.

The fund has been used for judicial infrastructure, computer systems, facilities for litigants, judicial training and other projects aimed at improving access to justice.

The committee also discussed measures for women and vulnerable people who cannot afford legal services. A proposal for Women Facilitation Centres in district courts was also discussed.

Chairman Naek emphasized that the commission’s recommendations must be followed by effective action and coordination so that law reforms become practical changes for citizens.

The committee decided to hold consultations with provincial governments and other stakeholders on case management policies and their implementation. It also directed the commission to provide further details about its recommendations, staff, service matters and delayed promotions.

The committee said timely implementation of justice reforms was important for public confidence in the justice system and for ensuring meaningful access to justice.