LAHORE, May 25: Outgoing Lahore High Court Chief Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed says the system of administration of justice in Pakistan is replete with weaknesses.

“Pakistan is perhaps one of the most regulated countries in the world with plethora of laws, yet the cherished goal of providing justice to people remains illusive,” he said in his speech at a Full Court Reference in his honour here on Friday.

He said it was the inefficiency of the legal system that compromised its effectiveness. The procedures, rules, regulations and practices forming the basic fabric of the system were conceived in the 19th century and were perhaps best suited to the times, he said and added that the problems requiring solutions through litigation had changed dramatically both in magnitude and complexity. “We have failed to keep up. We are trying to solve 21st century problems with 19th century tools,” Justice Saeed said.

He said mere use of modern technology was not sufficient to modernise the legal system, the mindset too needed to be synchronised with the 21st century.

Justice Saeed stressed the need for cooperation and flow of communication between the bar and the bench to deal with and solve problems faced by both forums. He said the relationship between the bar and the bench neither was nor should be allowed to become adversarial. It must be participatory, he added.

He thanked all judges in LHC and said: “By and large each and every honourable judge of this court took ownership and responsibility of this court. I had the privilege of their unwavering support and cooperation and benefited from their invaluable suggestions and ideas.”

LHC chief justice designate Umar Ata Bandial, Punjab Advocate General Ashtar Ausaf, Additional Attorney General Abdul Hayee Gillani, Lahore High Court Bar Association President Shehram Sarwar and Punjab Bar Council Vice-Chairman Ghulam Abbas Nassoaana also spoke.

In his speech, Justice Bandial said Justice Saeed rendered many, many insightful and monumental judgments. These judgments enriched the law of the land and strengthened the framework of citizens’ rights, he said.

He said after the restoration of judiciary the country entered a new era with deeper values and a broader commitment. “A vision has been bestowed on us through the historic lawyers movement as reinforced by the unambiguous criteria of discernment handed down by the Supreme Court,” he added. Later, a formal send off was given to Justice Saeed.