SC calls for speedy justice for overseas Pakistanis

Suggests a separate judicial system be established in the federation

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that special steps should be taken to address the rights and legal grievances of overseas Pakistanis.

Justice Yahya Khan Afridi issued the directive while hearing a petition of an overseas Pakistani against the Peshawar High Court's judgement in a property dispute.

In his judgement, Justice Afridi observed the need of putting in place exclusive measures to dispense justice and removing the obstacles hindering the ability of overseas Pakistanis to pursue their cases effectively.

He regretted that the Pakistani nationals living abroad suffered greatly due to delayed justice as recourse to the legal options was not immediately available to them.

The judgement further suggested that the federation could set up a separate judicial system similar to the one established in Punjab, citing the example of Lahore High Court’s (LHC) special cell to address complaints of overseas Pakistanis. It added that the model could be replicated in the federation as well as in other provinces.

The steps taken by the LHC and the Punjab government are commendable, the judgement said.

“Therefore, we expect the federation and other provinces to take similar steps as the Punjab government,” the judgement said, directing that a copy of the order be sent to the registrars of all the high courts for appropriate action.

A copy of the decision would also be sent to the federal and provincial secretaries of law.

It is pertinent to note that last year the Punjab government decided to set up special courts to ensure that justice may be dispensed to the overseas Pakistanis at the earliest, besides considering proposals, including allowing them to record statements in their cases through video link.

The special courts were aimed at ensuring that the cases of overseas Pakistanis do not go through any inordinate delay and there will be a specific time frame for deciding each case.