ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi presided over a significant meeting at the Supreme Court’s Quetta Registry, emphasizing the importance of enhancing institutional collaboration to improve access to justice, particularly in Pakistan’s less developed districts.
The gathering included delegates from the Balochistan High Court, the Supreme Court Bar Association, and the Pakistan Bar Council. During discussions, participants highlighted the critical shortage of judicial infrastructure in remote areas, which continues to limit vulnerable populations’ ability to seek justice.
A pivotal outcome of the meeting was the announcement that the government will now provide free legal aid to impoverished litigants. Under this scheme, qualified attorneys will receive up to Rs50,000 from the state for their services, aiming to ensure equitable legal representation.
Justice Afridi also revealed plans to appoint representatives from the Law and Justice Commission in each province. These officials will oversee the progress of development projects within district bar associations and ensure the effective implementation of justice initiatives at the local level.
The directives also included expanding legal assistance services to cover cases at the Supreme Court. Bar councils have been instructed to recommend capable and qualified lawyers to handle such high-level cases.
To bolster professional skills, particular focus was placed on encouraging lawyers to participate in training programs hosted by the Federal Judicial Academy. Bar associations nationwide were asked to widely circulate the academy’s training calendar to promote participation.“This is a shared responsibility,” stated Chief Justice Afridi. “All stakeholders must unite in efforts to strengthen our judicial system,” he added, calling for collective action toward reform.
The next high-level meeting is scheduled to be held in Karachi, where further discussions will be held to address concerns from bar associations and to advance ongoing judicial reforms
