'Not appropriate for SC to interfere in HC affairs'

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJ) Yahya Afridi has stated that high courts are autonomous institutions and it is not appropriate for the top court to interfere in their affairs.

Justice Afridi made this comment on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the district bar associations of Multan and Jhang in Islamabad.

According to the official statement issued after the meeting, the chief justice welcomed the delegation, which highlighted issues related to the lack of communication and coordination between the Lahore High Court (LHC) and bar associations in Punjab.

Justice Afridi clarified that high courts are independent institutions and that it would not be appropriate to interfere in their affairs. However, he suggested that the matter could be discussed with the chief justice of the LHC, Justice Aalia Neelum.

The CJ discussed the representation of bar councils in the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan. He also informed the delegation about the upcoming meeting of the commission.

He also briefed the delegation on the training programmes being conducted under the Federal Judicial Academy, stating that details of these programmes are available on the academy's website.

The CJ also provided information about the Access to Justice Development Fund and encouraged bar members to seek assistance under this initiative.

During the meeting, the delegation extended an invitation to the chief justice to visit district bars.