District courts are backbone of justice system, says CJP Afridi 

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi on Saturday said that timely provision of justice was necessary, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Addressing the National Conference, titled “From Reform to Recognition: Building a Responsive District Judiciary,” in Islamabad, the CJP stressed the need for further improving coordination between district courts and high courts. “District courts are the backbone of the country’s justice system,” he said, adding this is the first contact they have with any state institution.

He said that changes were made in the code of conduct so that judges could be freed from pressure. “We have introduced reforms in courts’ code of conduct,” CJP Afridi said. 

The CJP called upon Rule of Law Index monitors to recognise improvements made to court infrastructure at grassroots level across Pakistan.

He asked young judges to ensure the provision of justice. He assured that needs of courts would be met for ensuring a comprehensive justice system in the country.

He was of the view that people’s trust was not earned overnight but by working hard and honestly. 

He informed that courts were being shifted to a solar system. 

Recalling his visits to remote parts of the country after assuming office, CJP Afridi said he visited Chitral, Gwadar, Sadiqabad, Bahawalnagar and Nagarparkar.

He said that during his visits, he realized there was a disconnect between the district judiciary and the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC).

CJP Afridi asked the district judiciary to submit a “wish list” of its most pressing needs. He said the monitors should also take into account the sacrifices and services of judicial officers working in some of the country’s most remote areas.

Justice Afridi mentioned that 3.4 billion rupees have been disbursed in one year for provision of essential facilities at the courts.

Mentioning the solarization of courts, he said they have e-libraries, internet connectivity, women facilitation centres and water facilities. He said facilities being provided to women in the courts will be further expanded. 

The Chief Justice said it has also been decided that all judicial officers across Pakistan would be provided with health insurance.

He emphasised the vital role of the district judiciary in building public confidence in the justice system. He said public confidence is neither inherited nor proclaimed rather, it is earned through integrity, competence, fairness and compassion, as well as through institutions that empower judges to perform their duties independently.