ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi said on Saturday that the entire judiciary stood united in supporting judges and ensuring they remained free from external pressure.
Addressing a conference in Islamabad, the chief justice said changes had been introduced to the judicial code of conduct to protect judges from outside influence and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
District courts backbone of justice system
CJP Afridi described district courts as the backbone of Pakistan’s justice system and said empowering district judiciary judges and strengthening public trust remained among the judiciary’s key priorities.
“I am proud of my district judiciary,” he said, praising judicial officers for continuing to perform their duties despite various challenges.
The chief justice urged all state institutions to effectively discharge their responsibilities and called on young judges to focus on ensuring the best possible delivery of justice.
He also stressed the need to further strengthen coordination between district courts and high courts to improve the overall functioning of the judicial system.
Facilities being improved for district judiciary
CJP Afridi highlighted several measures aimed at improving working conditions for the district judiciary, including the provision of solar power, internet services, clean drinking water and e-libraries.
He said provincial governments were supporting efforts to improve basic facilities for judicial officers.
In Balochistan, work was under way to provide essential facilities, including solar power, across tehsils and districts. The chief justice said solar power, water and internet facilities had already been provided in 18 districts, while the remaining districts were expected to receive them within a month.
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He also announced that a decision had been taken to provide health insurance facilities to judicial officers.
Over Rs3 billion released for judicial improvements
According to CJP Afridi, more than Rs3 billion had been released this year for improvements in the judiciary.
He compared the amount with the Rs900 million released over two decades under the Access to Justice Programme, highlighting the increased focus on judicial development.
The chief justice also paid tribute to judges who had lost their lives while performing their duties and working to ensure the delivery of justice.
He said the rule of law was the need of the hour and stressed the importance of ensuring an effective and independent justice system.
