ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi said on Thursday that the only remedy for addressing global challenges such as social conflict and human rights violations lies in the rule of law, protection of vulnerable communities and safeguarding societies from tyranny and oppression.
In his message on the World Day for International Justice, the chief justice reaffirmed his commitment to the universal principles of fairness, accountability and the rule of law.
“Today, we are reminded of the stark reality that justice is not limited to an isolated act of piety or the responsibility of a single institution—it is a sacred, collective obligation towards our fellow human beings in every aspect of life,” he said.
Justice Afridi said that justice transcends borders and is a shared aspiration of humanity—a cornerstone of peace, dignity and human rights.
“In a world faced with complex global challenges—such as social conflicts, human rights abuses, terrorism, climate change, displacement, human trafficking, and transnational crimes—the role of justice systems, both national and international, becomes ever more pivotal,” he said. “The only antidote to these global maladies is the rule of law—ensuring the dignity of individuals, safeguarding the rights of the vulnerable, and protecting societies from oppression.”
The chief justice said that Pakistan’s judiciary, as a responsive institution, stands in solidarity with global efforts to strengthen international justice mechanisms.
“We recognise the vital role played by the International Criminal Court and other criminal tribunals, and we sincerely appreciate their contributions in fostering a global culture of justice and deterrence.”
On the national front, the chief justice reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that access to justice remains timely, impartial, and effective. He highlighted ongoing investments in judicial reforms, digital transformation, and capacity-building aimed at making courts more responsive to the needs of the people — especially the marginaliszed, voiceless, and underserved.
