Overview
In Islamabad, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi chaired the eighth interactive progress review session at the Supreme Court. The gathering brought together senior judiciary officials, including Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Chairman of the National Judicial Administrative Complex (NJAC), along with technical experts and section heads. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the ongoing judicial reforms, identify challenges, and map out concrete steps to accelerate reform initiatives across the system.
Key Reform Areas Under Review
The session focused on several core areas designed to modernize the judicial process and improve access to justice. Participants examined progress in digital case management, e-filing, and the real-time tracking of case status. Discussions also addressed the efficiency of court administration, asset and resource management, and the training and capacity-building of judicial staff to sustain reform momentum.
Digital Transformation and Accessibility
A major emphasis of the dialogue centered on digital transformation. By expanding secure e-filing, online case tracking, and virtual hearings where appropriate, the judiciary aims to reduce delays and enhance transparency. Stakeholders reviewed milestones achieved, such as the rollout of secure portals and interoperability between different court registries, while outlining timelines for full-scale implementation in regional courts.
Administrative Reforms and Transparency
Administrative reforms were another focal point, with discussions on performance metrics, accountability mechanisms, and streamlined workflows. The group explored ways to publish progress indicators for timeliness, quality of decisions, and case clearance rates. Enhanced transparency is expected to bolster public trust and support better outcomes for litigants.
Judicial Training and Capacity Building
Recognizing that reform success hinges on skilled personnel, the session reviewed training programs for judges, registrars, and court staff. Plans include targeted curricula on technology use, case management best practices, and ethics in adjudication. By strengthening the human element of reform, the judiciary aims to sustain improvements beyond initial deployments.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The eighth interactive progress review underscored the importance of collaboration among courts, bar associations, and government agencies. The NJAC’s involvement remains central to coordinating administrative changes, policy updates, and resource allocation. The dialogue with technical experts and section heads ensured that reforms align with on-the-ground realities while maintaining ambitious reform timelines.
Outlook and Next Steps
While the session highlighted notable milestones, attendees acknowledged ongoing challenges such as ensuring cybersecurity, maintaining data integrity, and addressing regional disparities in access to digital services. The Chief Justice outlined the path forward, with a focus on tightening project governance, revising implementation schedules where necessary, and conducting follow-up reviews to monitor impact. The ultimate objective is a more efficient, transparent, and accessible judiciary that can better serve the public’s legal needs.
Public Impact
For citizens, the reforms promise faster resolutions, clearer procedures, and more reliable remedies. By modernizing court administration and expanding digital services, the judiciary seeks to reduce backlogs while safeguarding fundamental rights. The ongoing progress reviews, including the latest session chaired by the Chief Justice, are critical to maintaining momentum and ensuring reforms translate into tangible benefits for people seeking justice.
