Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial says the vision for a prosperous and progressive Pakistan is based on rule of law and supremacy of the constitution.  

Addressing the concluding session of the 9th international judicial conference in Islamabad on Saturday, he said rule of law can be achieved, if courts are made equally accessible to people of Pakistan irrespective of their gender, religion, race or economic status.

He said legislature and the judiciary should develop ADR facilities for expeditious dispensation of justice. He said the judiciary should make extensive use of technology to streamline the litigation. He also urged stakeholders in criminal justice system to improve their coordination to secure a society with lesser crime.

He said the court is committed to playing its part in helping to build Pakistan, which is equal for all. However, it can only be accomplished if all the institutions and people have regard for the constitution.

The Chief Justice said that the court is also committed to protecting the marginalized groups of the society. He said the legislature and executive must also create the legal frame and implement the decisions of the court.

Highlighting the key recommendations made in the conference, he said Alternative Dispute Resolution can play a crucial role in ensuring speedy dispensation of justice to the people. He said there is need to develop ADR facilities and courts and advocates should encourage litigants for using it.

The Chief Justice said superior court should adopt a pro-enforcement approach in relation to foreign arbitral awards to boost foreign investment in the country.

Talking about the role of technology, he said the court is extensively deciding matters via video link and over three thousand matters were decided through video link.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial said National Judicial Automation Unit will be established to develop national online dashboard for creating integrated information system for all courts in the country. He said first phase of this project will be running by 31st of December this year.

The Chief Justice said women should be included in decision making and they need a bigger participation in bar and judiciary.

Shedding light on the growing threat of over population and climate change, he said increasing population, worsening climate change and pervasive gender inequality are hindering effective administration of justice.

He said problems of population growth and climate change should be addressed on the priority basis by state institutions, civil society and the people.

He said for capacity building district judges should take part in trainings to learn about amendments and development of law. He said Federal Judicial Academy will be conducting online workshops for all stake holders in the justice sector.

Earlier, five thematic sessions were held, which discussed the topics, including rule of law, administration of justice, global challenges, dispute settlement mechanisms and digital advancement in justice system.

Later, the Chief Justice distributed souvenirs among the speakers of the conference and certificates among the officers of Law and Justice Commission, and Supreme Court of Pakistan.