MUCH has been talked and discussed about the importance of technology in the overall justice delivery mechanism. With effective incorporation of technology in the justice system, Pakistan can surely be a more efficient, transparent and just society, one that is capable of meeting the demands of the fast-paced modern world.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the judicial system really augurs well. AI holds promise for societies. It can streamline case management, improve decision-making, and provide predictive analytics. It can fundamentally reshape the way justice is administered across the country.

In order to attain this vision, one requires the desired infrastructure, developing skilled human resources, digital literacy among numerous players of the justice sector, adequate funding, and the estab-lishment of robust governance frameworks to ensure ethical and equitable imple-mentation of AI technologies.

Overcoming the obstacles requires a multifaceted approach involving infra-structure development, judicial and legal training, policy reforms, and inclusive design for diverse learning needs.

Challenges must be met with proactive strategies and collaborative efforts. Policymakers, legal professionals and technology experts must work together to build a judicial environment that embraces AI while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all citizens.

However, we must remember that technology, especially AI, is a lot more than the rather contemptuous cut-and-paste culture in vogue in the country. The effective integration of technology into our judicial systems depends on a collective commitment of all the stake-holders to innovation, education and governance.

Being a teacher and a trainer, I strongly believe that the future of justice in Pakistan is not just about technology; it is about ensuring that justice is accessible to all, marked by integrity, and delivered effectively and with fairness so that the people may not have to waste their lives, even their generations, simply to get justice in the country in this digital age.

Kalsoom Abro
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2025