ISLAMABAD: The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling judicial processes, with a focus on strengthening institutions, improving accountability, and ensuring timely access to justice particularly in cases involving enforced disappearances.
The decisions were taken during the 56th NJPMC meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. The session was attended by the chief justices of all high courts as well as Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court, Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan. Participants deliberated on a wide range of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of Pakistan’s justice system.
Among the key outcomes was the approval of a new framework to ensure that all arrested individuals are produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, reinforcing constitutional protections and human rights safeguards.
To address delays in business-related disputes, the committee agreed to launch a Commercial Litigation Corridor designed to fast-track commercial cases. It also endorsed the creation of a screening committee within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to filter out frivolous litigation and reduce the burden on courts, while stressing strict compliance with case disposal timelines.
The committee noted significant judicial performance milestones, highlighting the Lahore High Court for disposing of more than 465,000 cases. The Peshawar High Court was commended for its effective handling of inheritance disputes, with a directive recommending that all such pending cases from 2019 onward be resolved within 30 days nationwide.
Model Trial Courts were also praised for delivering positive results, with the Lahore High Court acknowledged as a frontrunner in their implementation.
Further, the NJPMC set a 30-day deadline for finalizing recommendations on reforms in the district judiciary and discussed prison reforms, agreeing to coordinate with provincial governments for their execution.
On the technology front, the committee approved the formulation of national standards for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into judicial operations and sanctioned the immediate rollout of e-filing in all district courts. The Sindh High Court received special recognition for its progress in this area.
Additionally, approval was granted for the establishment of Women and Family Facilitation Centers, alongside the allocation of more than Rs2.58 billion to the Access to Justice Fund. Provincial governments were also tasked with arranging further funding to support the solarization of courts across the country.
