Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi assured the judicial officers of Balochistan on Monday that he would ensure they are provided with a conducive environment where they can work smoothly and safely.
Chief Justice Afridi further emphasised the importance of upholding the dignity of judicial officers, whether presiding over a civil court or a superior court, and maintaining the majesty and integrity of the judiciary across the nation.
He outlined a policy approach to personally visit the most remote districts of each province. The initiative aims to assess the facilities and challenges faced in dispensing justice at these distant locations.
Chief Justice Afridi gave this assurance to the judicial officers during his first formal official visit to the most remote district of Balochistan, Gwadar.
The District and Session Judges of the remote districts, including Turbat, Panjgur, Washuk, Musakhel, Chagai, Harnai, Awaran, Barkhan, Kharan, and Zhob, joined the Chief Justice.
Acknowledging the unwavering dedication of judicial officers serving in remote and underprivileged areas of the country, Chief Justice Afridi commended their exemplary efforts. He also encouraged them to further strengthen their resolve and prioritise the adjudication of cases to ensure justice is delivered efficiently and effectively to litigants.
Chief Justice Afridi reiterated the need for a focused approach toward the farthest districts, emphasising that these areas require more attention. He also asked the officers to share insights and identify specific resource gaps that are hampering the dispensation of justice, so these issues can be addressed.
He requested the respective High Courts to ensure that the best judicial officers are posted to such districts with a minimum term, and that these officers are well looked after. He proposed that foreign training and other opportunities should be given to such judicial officers on priority by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJPC).
He further recommended that an e-campus facility be provided to district judicial officers wherever possible, to enhance their access to continuous learning and development.
Chief Justice Afridi emphasised the development of a system where posting to the furthest districts would be considered a privilege, aiming to encourage the judiciary to embrace such assignments enthusiastically. However, he clarified that these measures are not intended to undermine the support already provided by the provincial government and high courts but rather to supplement it.
He further directed the Secretary of the Law and Justice Commission to personally visit such districts to evaluate the existing facilities and identify gaps requiring immediate attention.
According to a statement from the top court's spokesperson office, this visit signifies a pivotal shift toward a people-centric approach, meant to improve the working conditions of courts and create ease for litigants. "The superior judiciary reaffirms its resolve to support judicial officers and ensure that justice is not hindered by geographic or systemic barriers," stated the press release issued by the top court's spokesperson office.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi also chaired a meeting in Gwadar, Balochistan. The session deliberated on critical issues pertaining to the correctional system and approved the formation of a Sub-Committee for Balochistan province. The Sub-Committee will visit various prisons and submit a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at improving the system.
The meeting was attended by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Balochistan; Justice Abdullah Baloch, Administrative/Monitoring Judge for Prisons, High Court of Balochistan; Justice Nazeer Ahmed Langove (Retd.), Former Judge, High Court of Balochistan; Syed Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Tribal Affairs Department; Moazzam Jah Ansaari, Inspector General of Police; Shuja Uddin Kasi, Inspector General of Prisons; the Prosecutor General of the Prosecution Department, Government of Balochistan; Shakar Bibi Baloch, Member of the Balochistan High Court Bar; Zarghona Bareech, Advocate, High Court of Balochistan; and Roshane Barucha, Coordinator, SCP Prison Reforms Balochistan.
The Sub-Committee will develop actionable recommendations addressing issues such as under-trial prisoners, implementation of rehabilitative programs within prisons—including vocational training, mental health support, and educational initiatives—and measures to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society. These recommendations will form a vital part of the National Jail Reform Policy, ensuring a comprehensive, inclusive, and province-wide perspective.
"The collaborative effort under the leadership of the Chief Justice underscores the unwavering focus on addressing inefficiencies in the correctional system," said the statement.
"The National Jail Reform Policy aspires to establish a transparent, equitable, and rehabilitative correctional framework while aligning the correctional system with constitutional obligations and international standards."
“This reform initiative represents a transformative step toward creating a more humane and effective criminal justice system in Pakistan. Regular engagement among stakeholders reflects the collective commitment to achieving meaningful and sustainable improvements in the country's correctional system."