Draft of new Supreme Court rules prepared

A judges' committee has finalized the draft of new Supreme Court rules that include digitalization and automation of the judicial system, said a statement issued on Thursday.

A four-member committee — formed under the direction of Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi — has proposed amendments to the Supreme Court Rules, 1980.

The committee includes Justice Shahid Waheed, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. Interestingly, senior SC judges — Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhta — are not part of the four-member committee.

The committee has recommended introducing digitalization and an automated system in the Supreme Court's procedural framework. It has also sought suggestions from bar councils and judges to improve judicial affairs.

The draft has been submitted to the chief justice and other Supreme Court judges for further deliberation.

As per the statement, new reforms will be introduced in the Supreme Court to ensure speedy and transparent justice. The final draft will be presented before the Full Court for approval.