Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi reiterated on Tuesday that the judiciary is entrusted with interpreting the law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of the people under the principle of the trichotomy of powers.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring access to justice for marginalised sections of society, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
He was addressing bar members during his visit to the Judicial Complex in Makran, where he held a meeting with judicial officers and representatives of the Makran Bar Association. Chief Justice Afridi also underscored the integral relationship between the bench and the bar, emphasising that the judiciary relies on the bar's cooperation to perform its constitutional duties. He stressed that enhancing attendance and facilitating justice delivery for these groups must be prioritised.
Furthermore, the Bar expressed its deep concern over extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, urging the Chief Justice to take appropriate action on these pressing issues. The Chief Justice assured the Bar that these matters would be looked into and emphasised that the rule of law must prevail. He also reiterated that the compliance of institutions with the will of the people, as embodied in the constitution, is essential for the country’s growth.
Moreover, Chief Justice Afridi emphasised the pivotal role of the Court of Judicial Magistrates as the first judicial forum to hear legal matters and provide relief to the public in accordance with the law, without any external influence.
According to a press statement issued by the Top Court’s Registrar Office, Chief Justice Afridi pointed out the necessity of improving case management and incorporating innovative practices such as automation, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and human resource development. He acknowledged that these endeavors require meticulous planning, sustained patience, and the collective efforts of the judiciary, including the support of the Bar and the High Courts.
In his interaction with the Bar, the Chief Justice listened to their concerns regarding the administration of justice and assured them that their grievances would be addressed effectively.
Earlier, the Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan briefed the lawyers of the Makran Division about the opportunities available for lawyers under the Access to Justice Development Fund.
"As part of his commitment to enhancing service delivery and ensuring access to justice, the Hon'ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Yahya Afridi, has initiated an unprecedented approach by personally visiting the most remote districts of each province. This initiative began with his inaugural visit to Balochistan, starting with Gwadar, the province's most remote district."
On the second day of his visit to Gwadar, the Chief Justice, accompanied by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Balochistan; Justice Abdullah Baloch, the Administrative/Monitoring Judge for Prisons; Justice Rozi Khan Barrech, Judge of the High Court of Balochistan; the District and Sessions Judge of Gwadar; and the Inspector General of Prisons, visited the Sub-Jail Gwadar. This visit is part of his visionary steps to reform the Criminal Justice System.
During the inspection of the Sub-Jail, the Chief Justice reviewed the facilities provided to under-trial prisoners and emphasised the urgent need for an enhanced focus on inmate welfare and infrastructure improvements. The Chief Justice also urged the establishment of a prison in each division of the province. In response, government officials assured the Chief Justice of their commitment to establishing a jail in the Makran and Zhob Divisions, in alignment with his guidance.