Technology to make justice faster, fairer: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Monday said that the integration of technology into the justice system was not simply a matter of modernisation—it is essential to making courts more accessible, transparent and efficient for the people they serve.

The CJP was addressing a symposium, “Use of Technology in Judicial System in Pakistan: Prospects and Promises”, held here in the Supreme Court, convened by Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.

The symposium brought together members of the judiciary, international experts and senior government officials to explore the future of judicial reforms through digital transformation.

Addressing the gathering, the chief justice described the symposium as timely and forward-looking, aligning with the reform agenda to be deliberated by the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC) in its forthcoming meeting.

Similarly, the CJP acknowledged the contributions of Supreme Court judges Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, and the National Judicial Automation Committee and Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan chairmen and members for taking the initiative.

He also extended a warm welcome to international guests and expressed gratitude to China Supreme People’s Court Chief Justice Zhang Jun and Türkiye Constitutional Court Chief Justice Kadir Ozkaya for their continued support and commitment to judicial cooperation.

Reflecting on the reforms underway, Justice Yahya highlighted the key digital innovations recently implemented by the Supreme Court, including e-filing, QR codes on judgements, expanded video-link hearings, launch of a citizen feedback portal, and the use of data analytics for case management.

However, he also acknowledged ongoing challenges such as the digital divide, evolving legal frameworks, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The CJP reaffirmed that the technology is a powerful tool to build institutional trust, eliminate barriers to access, and enhance the quality of justice. He called upon all stakeholders to move forward with unity and resolve to shape a judicial system that meets the needs of the present and earns the confidence of future generations.

Earlier, Justice Shahid Waheed presented an overview of the progress and evolution of IT within Pakistan’s judicial system, highlighting the milestones achieved and the structural challenges that remain.

The symposium featured perspectives from international experts. Supreme People’s Court expert Ms Li Xiaohui shared China’s digital journey in judicial reforms. Istanbul Technical University Rector Prof Dr Hasan Mandal presented a global view on how courts are adopting technology, and Türkiye’s Gazi University Prof Dr Çetin Elmas discussed the growing role of AI in shaping the future of justice delivery.

Similarly, Information Technology and Telecom Federal Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan outlined Pakistan’s digital infrastructure plans and emphasised inter-institutional collaboration to support justice sector transformation.