ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Thursday met the representatives of different bar associations as part of his drive to broaden consultations with key stakeholders aimed at seeking their views to improve the service delivery.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Supreme Court Bar Association AJK, High Court Bar Association of Multan, District Bar Associations of Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpatan, Tehsil Bar Associations of Arifwala, Renala Khurd and Depalpur, DBA of Tank and advocates from the Afridi tribe.

Addressing the bar members, the CJP underscored the importance of relationship between the bench and the bar, emphasising that judiciary relies on the bar’s assistance in providing justice. He reiterated that, under the principle of the trichotomy of power, judiciary was entrusted with interpreting the law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of people as enshrined in the constitution.

CJP Afridi called upon the legal fraternity to rise to the challenges of time in ensuring timely and effective dispensation of justice. He also shared with the participants his insights from his recent visit to the farthest districts of various provinces. He highlighted the Ghotki Judicial Complex as a benchmark for its exemplary facilities and infrastructure, reflecting the potential for other regions to follow suit in creating robust judicial facilities.

He stressed that collaboration with lawyers was essential for ensuring efficient justice. To strengthen the professional capacity of lawyers, he announced that the Federal Judicial Academy would offer specialised training programmes, equipping legal practitioners with enhanced skills to better serve the public.

In a move to support the bar councils, CJP Afridi revealed that the Law and Justice Commission, under its Access to Justice programme, would disburse Rs1 million to bar associations seeking specific facilities. The initiative aims to address critical needs within bar associations and improve their operational capacity.

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2024