Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional supremacy, judicial independence and equal access to justice, stressing that the Constitution must remain the highest priority whenever state authority is exercised.
Justice Amin-ud-Din made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad marking the beginning of the new judicial year. He said societal stability could only be achieved through adherence to the Constitution and emphasised that the judiciary has a responsibility to safeguard its supremacy.
The chief justice described the start of the new judicial year as an opportunity for the judiciary to renew its commitment to delivering justice and fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
Constitution Must Remain Supreme
Justice Amin-ud-Din said the Constitution clearly establishes the powers and limitations of state institutions and must be prioritised whenever authority is exercised.
He stressed that decisions of the Federal Constitutional Court must be made solely in accordance with constitutional principles.
According to the chief justice, adherence to the Constitution is essential for maintaining stability in society. He said the judiciary’s role includes protecting the Constitution and ensuring that its supremacy is upheld.
His remarks placed constitutional adherence at the centre of the court’s responsibilities as the new judicial year begins.
Justice Amin-ud-Din also highlighted the importance of ensuring that state institutions operate within the limits and responsibilities defined by the Constitution.
Federal Constitutional Court Reviews Its Performance
The chief justice said the Federal Constitutional Court was effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities and had delivered judgments in several significant cases within a relatively short period since its establishment.
He said the court inherited a backlog of 25,000 pending cases when it was established.
During a period of 10 months, the court received 5,600 new cases, while it decided 6,000 cases, according to Justice Amin-ud-Din.
The figures, he said, reflected the court’s efforts to address its workload while continuing to perform its constitutional mandate.
The chief justice presented the court’s progress as part of its broader efforts to ensure that constitutional matters are dealt with effectively and that citizens have access to the judicial system.
Judicial Independence Is a Public Right
Justice Amin-ud-Din also spoke about the importance of judicial independence, describing it as a fundamental element of a functioning society.
However, he stressed that judicial independence should not be considered a privilege belonging to judges.
“Judicial independence is not a privilege of judges but a right of the people,” he said.
The chief justice said the authority entrusted to the Federal Constitutional Court must be exercised with wisdom and restraint.
He also emphasised the importance of respecting the separation of powers among state institutions.
According to Justice Amin-ud-Din, maintaining institutional boundaries and exercising judicial authority responsibly are essential for preserving public confidence in the justice system.
Equal Access to Justice a Priority
The chief justice said access to justice is the right of every citizen, stressing that constitutional justice should be provided without discrimination.
He also called for transparency in the scheduling of cases for hearings, highlighting fairness and openness as important principles in judicial proceedings.
Justice Amin-ud-Din reaffirmed the Federal Constitutional Court’s commitment to ensuring that citizens receive justice without discrimination.
The emphasis on equal access reflects the court’s broader responsibility to strengthen public confidence and ensure that judicial processes remain transparent and fair.
Technology Can Improve Judicial System
Justice Amin-ud-Din also highlighted the growing importance of modern technology in judicial affairs.
He said technological tools could strengthen institutional capacity and improve transparency across the justice system.
The chief justice stressed that the judiciary needs to make effective use of modern technology to improve its functioning and service delivery.
The use of technology could help judicial institutions strengthen administrative processes and enhance transparency, while supporting more effective management of cases and court-related affairs.
Court to Continue Constitutional Responsibilities
Justice Amin-ud-Din said the Federal Constitutional Court would continue to discharge its assigned constitutional responsibilities with firm resolve.
He pointed to the court’s record of deciding several important cases within a relatively short period as evidence of its efforts to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
The chief justice also discussed judicial cooperation and said it was being strengthened through foreign visits and other activities.
He noted that visits to the Constitutional Court by bar associations and other delegations were also significant in promoting engagement with the wider legal community.
Bar-Bench Cooperation to Be Strengthened
Justice Amin-ud-Din said cooperation between the Bar and Bench would be further strengthened.
He described stronger engagement between lawyers and judges as important for the effective functioning of the justice system.
Improved cooperation between the legal profession and the judiciary can support the smooth conduct of proceedings and contribute to a stronger judicial environment.
The chief justice also reaffirmed the court’s commitment to strengthening public confidence in the judicial system.
He said the Federal Constitutional Court would continue working to uphold constitutional principles, ensure transparent proceedings and reinforce citizens’ trust in justice.
Focus on Constitutional Principles
The chief justice’s address placed constitutional supremacy, judicial independence and equal access to justice at the centre of the Federal Constitutional Court’s priorities for the new judicial year.
His remarks also highlighted the court’s efforts to manage its inherited case backlog, strengthen institutional capacity and adopt modern technology.
With the court continuing to deal with constitutional cases and broader judicial responsibilities, Justice Amin-ud-Din stressed that the Constitution must remain the guiding framework for the exercise of state authority.
He also emphasised that justice must be accessible to all citizens without discrimination and that judicial authority must be exercised responsibly.
The Federal Constitutional Court is expected to continue focusing on its constitutional mandate, transparency, institutional cooperation and public confidence as the new judicial year progresses.
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