CJ Yahya Afridi lashes out over delays in case classification, urges transparency in judicial reforms

Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi Tuesday expressed frustration over delays in case classification during a high-level meeting on judicial reforms.

The meeting, aimed at assessing progress on various reform initiatives, also reviewed key developments in the Supreme Court’s case management and scanning systems.

According to an official announcement, out of 89 proposed judicial reforms, 26 have been successfully completed while work is actively underway on 44 others. However, the Chief Justice did not hold back his displeasure over the sluggish pace of some areas, particularly the classification of pending cases, a critical component in reducing case backlog.

Justice Afridi underscored the importance of timely justice delivery at the Supreme Court level and emphasised that transparency must be the cornerstone of the reform process. He issued clear directions to ensure openness and accountability across all phases of implementation.

A comprehensive review of the court’s evolving digital infrastructure was also carried out, focusing on enhancements to case management and the scanning system intended to streamline workflow and improve efficiency.

Despite his criticism, the Chief Justice lauded the efforts of judicial officers and extended appreciation to international experts who are collaborating on reform strategies. Their contributions, he said, are vital in steering Pakistan’s judicial system toward a more modern and responsive future.