DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Supreme Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi on Monday encouraged judges to identify hurdles to judicial efficiency and promised corrective measures.

He also said that remote and underprivileged areas were his primary focus where judges were dispensing justice in a tough environment.

“I assure the judges serving in remote districts that comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure a supportive work environment, with a focus on enhancing their safety, dignity and access to essential resources,” the CJ said during a visit to Dera Ismail Khan as part of his drive to reach out and engage stakeholders, especially from remote areas, on judicial reforms agenda for improved service delivery and promotion of equitable access to justice, according to a statement.

The chief justice was accompanied by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Syed Mohammad Atiq Shah, senior puisne judge Ijaz Anwar, director-general of the Federal Judicial Academy, and officer of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.

The chief justice also participated in an interactive session with the district and sessions judges from Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and South Waziristan districts. The district and sessions judges from 15 remote districts joined the session online.

He also met with president and general secretary of Peshawar High Court Bar Association, Dera Ismail Khan Bench and office-bearers of the district bar associations from various remote districts.

The chief justice highlighted the bar’s role in ensuring access to justice and said it would be facilitated for enhancing harmony and collaborative environment within the justice system.

He agreed to the bar’s proposal of video-link facility for the Dera Ismail Khan high court bench for hearing cases by the Supreme Court and said its technical feasibility will be examined.

The chief justice said he would ensure that such a facility is made available to benches of other high courts in due course of time.

“This facility will reduce not only the cost of justice but will also save precious time of parties and their counsels,” he said.

The chief justice also visited the central prison and attended a briefing about issues facing the inmates.

The PHC chief justice and inspector general of prisons were also present on the occasion. He visited various barracks, inspected the health facility and interacted with inmates.

It was reiterated that the Initiative on Prison Reforms, which would culminate in a comprehensive National Prison Policy would ensure humane treatment of prisoners and their rehabilitation.

Later, the director general of the Federal Judicial Academy briefed representatives of the bar association on the Continuing Judicial Education Package for members of the Bar and access to online learning platforms.

The LJCP officer apprised them of the Access to Justice Development Fund meant to empower legal practitioners in under-served regions. The fund provides financial assistance to support their efforts in advancing justice and ensuring equitable access to legal resources, according to the statement.

The chief justice pledged to strengthen the justice delivery system and expressed confidence that the bench and the bar would work together to uphold the rule of law by ensuring accessibility, especially in the most remote and underprivileged areas.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2025