Pakistan Chief Justice Calls District Courts ‘Backbone’ of Justice System
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has described district courts as the backbone of the country’s justice system, calling for stronger judicial independence, better infrastructure and closer coordination between lower courts and high courts to improve the delivery of justice.
Addressing a national conference on judicial reforms and the provision of speedy justice, the chief justice said all institutions must perform their responsibilities effectively, while young judges should ensure that justice is delivered efficiently and fairly.
Justice Afridi stressed that timely delivery of justice is essential and called for stronger coordination between district courts and the high courts. He said the judiciary’s requirements would be addressed as part of efforts to build a comprehensive justice system across the country.
Code of Conduct Changed to Protect Judges
A significant part of the chief justice’s address focused on judicial independence.
Justice Afridi said changes had been made to the code of conduct to protect judges from external pressure, adding that the wider judiciary stood behind judges in safeguarding their independence.
He said empowering judges in the subordinate judiciary was necessary to strengthen public confidence in the justice system and praised judicial officers for continuing to perform their responsibilities despite difficult circumstances.
The emphasis on district courts is consistent with established Supreme Court jurisprudence. In an earlier judgment, the Supreme Court described the district judiciary as the backbone of Pakistan’s judicial system and noted that district judges operate on the frontline while handling a substantial share of the country’s cases.
Courts Being Equipped With Solar Power and Internet
Justice Afridi also outlined measures aimed at improving court infrastructure.
He said courts were being shifted towards solar energy, while efforts were underway to provide better internet connectivity and establish e-libraries.
Work is also underway to provide basic facilities across Balochistan’s districts and tehsils, including dedicated facilitation centres for women and children.
According to the chief justice, solar power, clean water and internet facilities have already been provided to the subordinate judiciary in 18 districts of Balochistan, while remaining districts are expected to receive facilities within a month.
He cited Nagarparkar in Tharparkar as an example where solar and other basic facilities are already available.
More Than Rs3 Billion Released This Year
Justice Afridi said more than Rs3 billion has been released this year under access-to-justice initiatives aimed at improving the judiciary.
He contrasted this with the previous Access to Justice programme, under which, according to his remarks, only Rs900 million had been released over a 20-year period. These figures are statements made by the chief justice during the conference and should be attributed accordingly.
The chief justice also announced that judicial officers across Pakistan would be provided with health insurance, another measure aimed at improving conditions for the subordinate judiciary.
Justice Afridi paid tribute to judges who lost their lives in the course of delivering justice and said he was proud of the country’s subordinate judiciary.
His remarks underline a broader reform approach focused on strengthening the courts where most citizens first interact with Pakistan’s justice system, while improving infrastructure, institutional independence and access to judicial services.
