Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi engaged in a conversation with reporters on Tuesday following his meeting with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation. The discussion revolved around judicial reforms, the protection of property rights, and the judiciary's role in upholding agreements.
CJP Afridi said he informed the IMF delegation that the judiciary is undergoing significant reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency. "I told the delegation that we have taken an oath to ensure the independence of the judiciary under the Constitution," he stated, adding that he had told the delegation about the agenda of the National Judicial Policy Making Committee as well.
He also emphasized that the lower judiciary is overseen by the high courts, not external entities. "This is not our job to provide details on agreements, but I assured them that reforms are underway," he added.
He said the IMF delegation expressed interest in foreign investment protection, implementation of agreements, and property rights, to which the CJP responded that efforts are being made to strengthen legal safeguards in these areas. The delegation also offered suggestions regarding the protection of property rights, he added. "I told the delegation what you are saying should be two-way. I also told them we need artificial intelligence for the judiciary."
Engagement with political leadership
The CJP revealed that he had invited both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omer Ayub Khan for consultations on the National Judicial Policy.
Imran Khan's letter
Addressing the letter from the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Chief Justice of Pakistan Afridi stated that it has been forwarded to the Constitutional Bench Committee for review, which will take up the matter in open court.
"What the PTI founder wants from us falls under Clause 3 of Article 184, and it is up to the constitutional bench to decide on it. I told the committee to review this letter and decide," he explained. Additionally, the PTI founder sent a USB containing evidence, which, according to the CJP, will assist in legal research.
Judicial appointments and systemic challenges
Commenting on judicial appointments, the CJP highlighted his efforts to bring Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to the Supreme Court. "I wanted him in the Supreme Court, and he was later brought in as a temporary judge," he noted.
He also expressed concerns about the lack of judges specializing in corporate cases, saying, "The judges who previously handled corporate cases are not doing so anymore. What should I do?"
He urged his fellow judges to "let the system run" and not obstruct appointments. "I told the judges to let me bring in new judges. The system must not stop," he stressed.
Internal judicial disputes
Regarding the controversy surrounding the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and Lahore High Court (LHC), the CJP acknowledged that objections had been raised over certain judicial appointments.
"Six judges who wrote to the high court about interference were immediately removed from their posts after taking the oath," he revealed. He further stated that Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remains in the race for chief justice of the Islamabad High Court.
Strengthening criminal justice system
In a bid to clear the backlog of cases, two permanent Supreme Court benches will be designated exclusively for criminal cases starting next week. "People in jails see me as responsible for their delayed justice. We need more judges to form benches," he admitted.
Judiciary’s role in Pakistan’s future
CJP Afridi assured the public of his commitment to judicial reforms and transparency. "You should have faith in the system. The system spoke for itself yesterday," he remarked, referring to recent judicial decisions.
