CJP Afridi seeks establishment of prison in each Balochistan division
• Visits Gwadar sub-jail, meets Makran bar representatives
• Stresses prioritised justice delivery to marginalised groups
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Tuesday visited Gwadar sub-jail as part of criminal justice system reforms, reviewed the facilities being provided to under-trial prisoners and called for enhanced focus on inmate welfare and infrastructure improvement.
During the visit, he was accompanied by Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, administrative judge for prisons Justice Abdullah Baloch, Gwadar district and sessions judge Rozi Khan Barrech and IG (Prisons).
Realising the challenges posed by the jail’s remote location, the CJP urged the establishment of a prison in each division of the province. In response, government officials assured him of their commitment to establishing a jail in Makran division.
The CJP also visited Makran Judicial Complex and held a meeting with judicial officers and Makran Bar Association representatives.
While addressing the bar members, he underscored the integral relationship between the bench and bar, noting that the judiciary to perform its constitutional duties needs bar cooperation. He highlighted the importance of ensuring access to justice for marginalised sections of society, including women, children and persons with disabilities. He stressed that justice delivery for these marginalised groups must be prioritised.
Extrajudicial killings
When the bar requested the CJP to take appropriate action over extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, he assured that the matter would be looked into and noted that compliance of institutions to the will of people embodied in the Constitution was essential for Pakistan to grow.
CJP Afridi highlighted the pivotal role of judicial magistrates, being the first judicial forum to hear legal matters, to provide relief to the masses in accordance with the law without fear or favour.
He also pointed out the necessity of improving case management and innovative practices such as automation, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and human resource development to improve criminal justice system. He said such endeavours required meticulous planning, sustained patience, and collective efforts of bar and bench.
In his interaction with the lawyers, the CJP listened to their concerns regarding the administration of justice and assured them that their grievances would be addressed effectively.
Earlier, the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) gave briefing to the lawyers of Makran division about the opportunity for lawyers under Access to Justice Development Fund.
E-affidavit, instant certified copies
On the other hand, Supreme Court registrar Salim Khan introduced two transformative initiatives at the Lahore branch registry of the apex court.
The registrar inaugurated the e-affidavit system and an instant certified copies service, both aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility within the judicial system.
The e-affidavit system represents a significant leap towards the digital transformation of judicial procedures. This innovative platform streamlines the submission of affidavits, reducing delays and ensuring transparency in the filing process. It is designed to simplify procedures for litigants and legal professionals, ultimately expediting the delivery of justice.
Additionally, utilising the advanced case management system, the SC made it possible for litigants and lawyers to instantly obtain certified copies of cases, whether pending or disposed of in Islamabad, directly from the Lahore branch registry.
This service removes the delays traditionally associated with document dispatces, improving efficiency and convenience.
Nasir Iqbal in Islamabad, Saleem Shahid in Quetta and Behram Baloch in Gwadar contributed to this report
Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024
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