Judiciary is facing challenges in journey to deliver justice: CJP Afridi

Muazaffarabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, has emphasised the importance of fostering cordial harmony and relations between the Bench and the Bar across the country in order to uphold the rule of law, noting that the judiciary faces considerable challenges in its pursuit of dispensing justice.

Addressing a judicial conference in Muzaffarabad, the Chief Justice observed that it was heartening to witness the spirit of judicial fraternity between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He assured the AJK judiciary of the Supreme Court’s full constitutional and institutional support.

Justice Yahya Afridi earnestly appealed to his brother judges and esteemed members of the AJK Bar to always keep three fundamental principles in mind as they move forward.

He stated that, first and foremost, it is neither those of us seated upon the Bench nor the honourable members of the Bar who stand at the rostrum, but rather the litigant—the party seeking justice—whose interest must always remain paramount.

Secondly, he stressed, the relationship between the Bench and the Bar must invariably be cordial, constructive, and serious. He underlined that without harmony between these two pillars, neither the rule of law can be secured nor meaningful reforms advanced.

Finally, he declared, the third principle is the integration of technology into the process of administering justice, for only in this way can the ultimate objective be realised.

“And what is that objective?” he asked. “To make the delivery of justice efficient, transparent, and, above all, accessible to all citizens.”

The Chief Justice further noted that Supreme Court Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar is committed to advancing automation within the judiciary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He concluded by assuring: “Whatever assistance you may require, we are here—ready to share our experience, to provide technical cooperation, and to work together in building a future where the quality of justice and access to it are strengthened at every level.”