November 21, 2006	Tuesday	Shawwal 28, 1427

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ISLAMABAD: Nov 20: The improved financial management and administration can strengthen the judiciary at all levels to perform its functions and to maintain public confidence in the judicial system, said Muhammad Afzal Kahut, Programme Director of the Access to Justice Programme (AJP), Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights.

He was addressing the participants of a training workshop on ‘Improved Fiscal Management for Courts’ as chief guest here on Monday. The training workshop was arranged by the Access to Justice Programme (AJP) for judicial officers at the Federal Judicial Academy.

Mr. Kahut emphasized that unless the court officers responsible for management of finances were equipped with modern techniques and skills, there was little hope of ensuring accountability, transparency or effectiveness of the judicial governance.

The improved fiscal management would enhance the efficiency and performance of the judiciary, he noted adding, to take the fiscal reforms process forward, it was essential to think big and act boldly.

He was of the view that the professional handling of financial resources and processes were a key component in the development of independent and effective judicial administration. It is a fact that the adequate financial management of courts constitutes a critical element in the judicial independence, he added, therefore the skills building programme of the AJP on the fiscal management marks a critical step forward in the reform process.

He expressed the hope that the AJP capacity building endeavour for judicial sector institutions would contribute to improved financial management and administration. A professionally-sound internal financial system of the courts has direct linkage with the speedy delivery of justice to the poor, the needy, and the vulnerable, the AJP Programme Director said.

Emphasising the need of fiscal management training for judicial officers, he said that without the trained officers responsible for court budgeting, the judiciary could not be strengthened. The present training would offer a unique opportunity to the participants to learn new skills for effective and professional management of financial affairs of their respective courts.

Highlighting the importance of better financial management system in courts, he said that the courts were also engaged in managing the fines and fees deposited for litigation, an improved financial system would help to ensure better handling of these funds.

The development of comprehensive accounting procedures, followed by adequate internal auditing processes, would help to establish a firm administrative foundation, Mr. Kahut said. Whilst it is true that courts lack resources which impact their functionality but is also the failure of the courts not to make their case to budget authorities in a convincing and professional manner.

Recognizing this capacity constraint, it is essential to build the capacity of courts to manage financial operations in order to make them present their case for resources.

The participating court officers, representing their respective provincial High Courts and subordinate courts, would take full advantage of the vast experience and proven expertise of Dr. Car Baar, the international trainer, Mr. Kahut concluded.