Public trust in the justice system is not shaped only by the judgments of higher courts. It is built, day by day, through the experiences of ordinary citizens in the district courts.
For too long, these experiences have been marked by delays, case backlogs, and neglect. As a result, many citizens see justice as distant, slow and out of reach. Over time, this perception has become so strong that many people no longer even try to seek redress. Changing this requires more than statements and promises. It needs reforms that are visible, practical and sustainable – reforms that people can feel in their everyday interactions with the justice system.
This year, the judiciary has taken important steps in this direction. The chief justice himself has travelled to some of the most remote districts and tehsils, meeting lawyers, judges, and litigants where the justice system is at its weakest. These visits revealed what citizens already knew: that while courts exist in name, many lack the most basic conditions for fair and timely justice. Some courtrooms have no reliable electricity, others lack digital resources, and many do not even provide basic facilities for litigants. These are not just technical issues; they directly affect people’s trust. For example, when a hearing is adjourned because the lights go out, citizens do not view it as a minor inconvenience. They see a system unable to deliver justice.
From these observations, a reform agenda has been developed that combines vision with practicality. By the end of the year, all courts in Pakistan are expected to be powered by solar energy. This will reduce dependence on an unreliable grid, cut costs and ensure that hearings are not interrupted by power failures. Solarisation is a sustainable investment in the future of justice.
At the same time, courts are being digitally connected to national IT systems, introducing faster case management and even the possibility of virtual hearings. IT integration is itself a sustainable solution, as it expands public accessibility, conserves resources and allows citizens – even in remote areas – to engage with the justice system more easily. It will also help the legal fraternity remain abreast of new advancements in the field of law, fostering a culture of continuous learning and capacity building within the justice sector.
These reforms are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for access to justice for all and the strengthening of effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at every level. Around the world, digital tools have proven effective in reducing delays and improving access, and Pakistan’s adoption of them marks an important step towards a modern, resilient judiciary.
Reforms are not only about technology and infrastructure but also about people. A major part of the agenda is the introduction of gender-sensitive facilities, ensuring that women and vulnerable groups can access courts with dignity and security. This reflects the principle that justice must be inclusive. A court that provides safe and respectful spaces for women is meeting a basic requirement of fairness in a society committed to equality.
For the media, these reforms are an opportunity to shape perception in a meaningful way. Too often, coverage of judicial reform is limited to speeches or statistics. But the current steps – solarisation, digitalisation and inclusive facilities – are concrete examples of progress. If reported well, they can change the public conversation from one of despair over delays to one of cautious hope. The role of the media in opinion moulding is sine qua non. It must inform citizens who directly interact with the justice system and engage academics, think tanks and policy institutions that can provide constructive feedback. Without this engagement, reforms risk being confined to official reports rather than becoming part of a wider public debate.
Justice is both reality and perception. A citizen who sees a courtroom powered by solar energy, connected to digital records and welcoming to women will begin to believe that justice is becoming more accessible. These may appear to be small changes, but they are the building blocks of trust.
The media’s role, therefore, is central. By highlighting successes and questioning shortcomings, it can hold institutions accountable and keep the debate alive. By involving experts and civil society, it can turn judicial reform into a shared national project.
Pakistan’s justice system now stands at a turning point. It can remain trapped in the image of being slow and outdated, or it can be transformed into a people-centric, technology-driven and sustainable institution. The direction it takes will depend not only on the reforms themselves but also on how the public comes to see them.
If the narrative shifts from frustration to cautious optimism, the distance between perception and reality will narrow. And in justice, where perception often defines legitimacy, that change may prove just as important as the reforms themselves.
The writer is a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) USA. He holds a Ph.D in Sustainable Development and an LLM from Singapore Management University. He can be reached at drshahidhussainkamboyogmail.com.