Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has called upon Rule of Law Index monitors to recognise the improvements made to court infrastructure at the grassroots level across Pakistan.

Addressing the National Conference, titled “From Reform to Recognition: Building a Responsive District Judiciary,” in Islamabad, he said the monitors should also take into account the sacrifices and services of judicial officers working in some of the country’s most remote areas.

Justice Yahya Afridi mentioned that three point four billion rupees have been disbursed in one year for provision of essential facilities at the courts. Mentioning the solarization of courts, he said they have e-libraries, internet connectivity, women facilitation centers and water facilities. He said facilities being provided to women in the courts will be further expanded. 

The Chief Justice of Pakistan said it has also been decided that all judicial officers across Pakistan would be provided with health insurance.

He emphasised the vital role of the district judiciary in building public confidence in the justice system. He said public confidence is neither inherited nor proclaimed rather, it is earned through integrity, competence, fairness and compassion, as well as through institutions that empower judges to perform their duties independently.

The Chief Justices of the Lahore High Court, Sindh High Court, Peshawar High Court, Balochistan High Court and Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court also addressed the conference.

In their addresses, the Chief Justices highlighted key initiatives, legislative reforms, infrastructure development and ongoing digital transformation projects within the judicial system.

They expressed a firm commitment to providing affordable and speedy justice to all citizens.

At the conclusion of the event, Commendation for Judicial Excellence Awards were conferred upon high-performing judges and judicial officers from across the country in recognition of their outstanding contributions.