National Judicial Policy-Making Committee reviews judicial reforms, response against interference

A meeting of National Judicial Policy-Making Committee was held under chair of Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi to review constitutional and legal challenges in dispensation of justice, reported 24NewsHDTV Channel. 

The meeting was attended by the chief justices of four provinces and Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan. 

According to an official announcement, the meeting considered the institutional response against interference in the judiciary. The Chief Justice praised the formulation of SOPs against interference by all high courts.

Addressing the meeting, CJP Yahya Afridi said steps were necessary to protect the independence and integrity of judges of the higher judiciary and in this regard, amendments to the code of conduct for judges have been proposed. 

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi further said efforts were being made to establish an institutional mechanism to respond to external influence. It was also decided to place the issue of amendment in the Code of Conduct before the Supreme Judicial Council. Chief Justices of High Courts agreed with the proposals of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, statement added. 

The meeting also considered reforms related to the district judiciary and a committee comprising provincial chief justices was formed to review the proposals. 

The meeting also reviewed the action plan related to prison reforms. Lahore, Sindh and Peshawar High Courts have ratified prison reforms. 

The Chief Justice also emphasized early completion of Islamabad Model Jail. The guidelines of the Judicial Automation Committee regarding artificial intelligence in the judiciary were also reviewed and the committee was directed to complete the proposals and submit for approval in the next meeting. 

Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan told the meeting that the issue of enforced disappearances has almost been resolved with the recent amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act. Attorney General said a comprehensive mechanism will be formulated for redressal of complaints and the complete mechanism will be presented in the next meeting, Attorney General added. 

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori