ISLAMABAD – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi has announced a major judicial reform plan aimed at speeding up justice delivery and ensuring ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judiciary.
Unveiled during a national symposium in Islamabad, the reform agenda is led by the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee. It introduces model criminal trial courts, fixed timelines for resolving civil and criminal cases, and a professional excellence index for judicial officers. The plan also includes clear guidelines on AI ethics to ensure responsible use of technology in court procedures.
The symposium, titled “The Human Dimension of Responsive Justice,” brought together senior judges, legal experts, and development partners. CJP Afridi emphasized the need for collective efforts, saying that no reform can succeed without the full involvement of all stakeholders.
In his speech, the CJP highlighted the growing pressure on district courts and the importance of supporting judges at all levels. He stressed that reforms must consider the emotional and institutional challenges faced by judges. “A judge who is supported institutionally can deliver justice more effectively,” he said.
The CJP judicial reform AI ethics agenda also addresses key issues within the district judiciary. These include limiting external influence, improving performance evaluation, and ensuring fair recruitment practices. Equal service terms, opportunities for international training, and exposure are also part of the proposed changes.
In a move to boost global cooperation, CJP Afridi announced upcoming agreements with the Supreme Court of China and the Constitutional Court of Türkiye. These partnerships will allow the exchange of judicial officers and best practices.
The event concluded with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration on Judicial Wellbeing. The declaration recognized judicial wellbeing as essential for delivering fair and responsive justice. It urged policymakers to address judicial stress, social isolation, and workload pressures. The declaration called for a national framework to promote empathy, institutional support, and mental health in the judiciary.
This initiative marks a key step toward building a more effective, ethical, and compassionate justice system in Pakistan.
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