ISLAMABAD: On the National Women’s Day, the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar, inaugurated a range of gender-responsive and child-friendly facilities at the Family Courts Complex and the District Judicial Complex in G-11, Islamabad.

The chief justice was accompanied by Justice Muhammad Azam Khan and Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas during the visit. The IHC judges were received by District and Sessions Judge Islamabad West Nasir Javed Rana, District and Sessions Judge Islamabad East Muhammad Yar Gondal, Advocate Naeem Ali Gujjar, President of the Islamabad Bar Association, and members of the bar cabinet.

At the Family Courts Complex, the chief justice inaugurated a set of gender responsive infrastructure designed to create a supportive and dignified environment for women and child litigants. The newly introduced facilities include a child visitation area for custody-related matters, a dedicated female litigants waiting area, and child infant care rooms for mothers accompanied by infants.

A women help desk has also been established to provide legal guidance, information, and assistance to female litigants. In addition, improved signage, way-finding systems, and building directories have been installed to enhance accessibility and ease of navigation within the court premises.

The chief justice also inaugurated a reconciliation room intended to facilitate amicable resolution of family disputes in a respectful and private setting, encouraging alternative dispute resolution and reducing the emotional and procedural burden on litigants.

Later, at the District Judicial Complex in G-11, Justice Dogar inaugurated a female litigants waiting area and a water filtration plant to ensure the availability of safe drinking water for litigants, lawyers and court staff.

On the same occasion, the E-Filing System was formally launched at the district courts, enabling litigants to submit cases electronically without the need to physically visit court premises. The initiative marks a significant step toward digitalisation of the justice system and is expected to improve efficiency, transparency and public access to judicial services.

Addressing members of the district judiciary and the legal fraternity, the chief justice commended the efforts of the district judiciary in strengthening court infrastructure and advancing gender-sensitive and technology-driven reforms. He reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accessible, inclusive, and efficient justice, particularly for vulnerable segments of society.

Justice Dogar emphasised that the newly inaugurated facilities reflect the broader vision of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the policy direction outlined by the National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) in its recent meeting, aimed at modernising courts and improving service delivery.

He noted that creating a supportive environment for women and children within the justice system is essential to promoting public trust in judicial institutions and ensuring fair and timely resolution of disputes.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026