Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: In line with his vision for a citizen-centric justice system, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi, Tuesday chaired the tenth interactive progress review meeting at the Supreme Court of Pakistan to assess monthly progress under the Reform Action Plan (RAP) and to issue directions on key milestones aimed at modernizing judicial processes, enhancing institutional efficiency, and strengthening public-facing services. The meeting reviewed progress on reducing lead time in case disposal, case categorization, digitization of records, IT integration, financial digitization of receipts and expenditures, audit mechanisms, and public facilitation initiatives. Updates on automation, including software enhancements, QR-coded certified copies, e-Courts, capacity-building in data management and analytics, as well as ADR and mediation programmes, were also examined. During the discussion, the Federal Ombudsman emphasized the need for quantification of performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) to strengthen monitoring and accountability. It was noted that this task has already been assigned to the Quality Management team and is currently underway. The Chair was informed that during the last three months, 3,600 cases were instituted while 5,383 cases were disposed of, bringing the total pendency down to 34,083 cases. The Chief Justice appreciated the consistently higher rate of disposal, noting that it reflects improved case management, effective bench constitution, and the sustained institutional effort to reduce backlog and ensure timely adjudication of cases. He emphasized that maintaining this momentum remains essential to strengthening public confidence in the justice system. The status of jail petitions and death sentence appeals was also reviewed. It was noted that the pendency of death sentence cases has been reduced from 384 at the time of assumption of office (October 2024) to 60 cases. To ensure timely adjudication in matters involving the right to life, it was resolved that all pending death sentence appeals shall be fixed within the next 30 days. It was further decided that cases instituted up to 2018 shall be fixed on a priority basis to clear the year-wise backlog. The meeting was informed that case categorization and the barcoding system for file tracking is underway and is expected to be finalized within 30 days. The digitization of records has largely been completed, while e-payment systems are operational for certified copies and review petitions through the Public Facilitation Centre. ADR and mediation initiatives are also progressing, with standardization and quality assurance processes targeted for completion by 30 August 2026. The Public Facilitation Centre is functioning effectively, providing digitally integrated one-window services to litigants and lawyers. During the last three months, approximately 20,802 service requests have been facilitated, reflecting increased public reliance on streamlined and accessible court services. Digitized payment systems are currently operational for review petitions and certified copies, significantly reducing time, cost, and procedural complexity for litigants. It was resolved that the e-payment facility shall be extended to all categories of court fees within one week. The IT team was accordingly directed to further expand online services across the Court’s processes to enhance convenience, transparency, and ease of access for stakeholders. Issues relating to Branch Registries were also discussed, and directions were issued for their early resolution. Reaffirming the Supreme Court’s commitment to a litigant-focused justice system, the Chief Justice observed that timely and effective adjudication is both a constitutional obligation and a moral responsibility. He appreciated the cooperation of the Bar in providing soft copies of petitions, which has facilitated e-filing and digitization, and commended the efforts of the judicial and IT branches in advancing the reform agenda. He reiterated the judiciary’s resolve to promote innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in building a transparent, modern, and equitable justice system. The meeting was attended by Naveed Kamran Baloch, Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan (as observer), the Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Secretary, Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP), the Director General, Federal Judicial Academy, and Section Heads of the Supreme Court.
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