MUZAFFARABAD: The Chief Justice of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) High Court, Sadaqat Hussain Raja, on Tuesday announced that the region’s judiciary would be fully computerised to enhance transparency, reduce delays, and improve accessibility for litigants, lawyers, and the general public.

The announcement came during the launch of the “automated deeds registration system”, a step aimed at digitizing key judicial functions with assistance from the AJK Information Technology (IT) Board.

Speaking at the inauguration, the chief justice highlighted the transformative potential of integrating technology into judicial processes.

“This day holds great significance for our judiciary, as we have successfully achieved the computerisation of deed registration within a short time frame and limited budget,” he said.

“It’s a milestone in our journey towards a more transparent and user-friendly legal system by leveraging technology for efficiency and accessibility,” he added.

Chief Justice Raja expressed confidence that the newly launched system would streamline the registration process, minimize errors, and ensure the timely resolution of cases. “Following the model implemented in Muzaffarabad, the registration system in Mirpur will also be computerised next week, and within six months, district-level offices for computerised registration will be established,” he announced.

Commending the talent and dedication of local professionals, Chief Justice Raja congratulated the IT board officers and other stakeholders for the timely completion of the project. “Their efforts deserve our heartfelt appreciation,” he said.

After the Chief Justice officially launched the automated deeds registration system by pressing a button, the first transaction - a property deal - was promptly completed in the court of the additional district and sessions judge. The process included uploading challan forms to the web portal, registering the seller, buyer, and witnesses, and verifying their biometrics.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the subordinate judiciary and IT Board, and a large number of lawyers. Prominent among them were Secretary IT Rafaqat Hussain, Director General IT Board Qazi Inayat, vice chairman of the AJK Bar Council Syed Ashfaq Hussain Kazmi, and President of the Central Bar Association Muzaffarabad Nasir Masood Mughal.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2025