In a heartfelt call to action, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has urged bar associations to become key players in transforming the country’s judicial system. Speaking at a meeting in Peshawar on August 2, 2025, he emphasized the need for lawyers to drive reforms that make justice faster, fairer, and more inclusive for all Pakistanis.
CJP Afridi Stance in Judicial Reforms
Addressing senior judicial officials and bar representatives, including those from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council and district associations, CJP Afridi shared insights from his visits to remote districts. He highlighted persistent challenges like crumbling infrastructure, unreliable power, and limited digital access, which leave many litigants struggling. “We must bridge these gaps together,” he said, urging provincial governments to prioritize justice-related projects and gender-sensitive facilities like shelters for female litigants.
Key Proposals
A key proposal was to strengthen ties between bar associations and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. Senior representatives will now be stationed at high courts to coordinate with district bars, ensuring local needs shape reforms. Afridi also introduced a groundbreaking legal aid initiative, guaranteeing state-funded representation for financially distressed litigants from magistrate courts to the Supreme Court. Bar associations will nominate skilled lawyers to support this effort.
The CJP also pushed for lawyers to engage in Continuing Legal Education programs at the Federal Judicial Academy, stressing the importance of professional growth. He shared updates from the National Judicial Policy-Making Committee, including plans for commercial litigation corridors, model criminal trial courts, and ethical AI use in judicial settings—steps aimed at modernizing justice delivery.
Reaction
Bar representatives welcomed the inclusive approach, expressing gratitude for Afridi’s commitment to addressing their concerns. “This is a chance to rebuild trust in our judiciary,” one lawyer noted, reflecting the shared hope for a more accessible system.
What’s Next
CJP Afridi’s vision for judicial reforms signals a new era of collaboration, ensuring Pakistan’s courts serve every citizen with dignity and efficiency.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 2nd, 2025
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