Human Rights Day: Judiciary firmly focused on strengthening rule of law: CJP
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has said that in an era of rapid social, economic and technological change, the judiciary of the country remains firmly focused on strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that justice is accessible and responsive to the needs of every citizen.
In his message on the International Human Rights Day, CJP Afridi said: “Our ongoing reform initiatives aim to modernise judicial processes, promote transparency and meaningfully reduce the barriers that prevent people — especially the marginalised — from securing their rights.”
He further said that from improving court procedures and embracing technology, to enhancing judicial training and strengthening institutional coordination, “each step of reform reflects our commitment to a citizen-centric justice system” — one that treats every individual with respect, ensures timely remedies and upholds fairness without fear or favour.
“Let us reaffirm that the protection of human rights is not the responsibility of courts alone,” the CJP said, adding: “It is a shared national obligation — anchored in our constitutional vision, strengthened by our cultural values, and essential for building a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan.”
Meanwhile, in order to ensure greater facilitation for litigants and improved efficiency in the fixation and hearing of cases, the Supreme Court has notified policy for same-day fixation of delisted cases.
Through a circular, it notified that henceforth, whenever cases are required to be delisted due to non-availability of requisite bench or judge, such cases shall, so far as practicable, be redistributed among available benches for hearing on the same day after 11:30 am.
“Where, however, redistribution on the same day is not practicable, the cases shall be delisted and automatically fixed for hearing in the following week,” the circular added.
It further stated that the policy represents commitment of the Supreme Court to strengthen case management, enhance judicial accessibility and promote a litigant-friendly environment.
