Pakistan's justice system best in the world: CJP Nisar

Justice Nisar's remarks come despite more than 42,000 pending cases in SC

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday said the country's justice system was the "best in the world", reported Radio Pakistan.

 

Speaking at an event organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association  (SCBA) in Islamabad, Justice Nisar said the Constitution of Pakistan fully guarantees equal rights and freedom for all citizens, irrespective of creed, caste or religion.

However, he also acknowledged the need for legal reforms in Pakistan.

Records show there were more than 42,000 cases pending before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in November 2018, with an increase of 2,125 over a one-year period.

According to the fortnightly Summary Statement of Case Institution, Disposal and Pendency, the number of under-litigation cases in the apex court stood at 42,254 on November 30, 2018.

During Justice Nisar’s 20-month tenure as chief justice, almost 8,000 cases have been added to the litigations pending in the apex court.

Overall, there has been a 100 per cent increase in the backlog of SC cases since 2013, when the number of pending cases was 20,480.

In 2001, the number of pending cases was 13,070 and the figure has steadily increased with each passing year.

In the 14 years from 2003 to 2016, the number of pending cases, respectively, was 20,031; 27,614; 14,984; 13,724; 15,186; 17,754; 18,359; 20,234; 20,228; 20,314; 20,480; 22,979; 27,639; and 32,744.

On the other hand, the SC decided 16,897 cases from September 6, 2017, till June 30, 2018.

While CJP Nisar remained particularly active in matters related to maladministration and public interest, he did previously admit failure in putting his house - the judiciary - in order.