Chief justice pays tribute to judiciary's 'silent strength'

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has underscored the urgent need to "humanize judicial reforms" by recognizing the emotional, psychological, and institutional pressures faced by judges, particularly at the district level.

The CJP was addressing a national symposium on Friday held at the Federal Judicial Academy to mark the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing. The theme of the symposium was "The Human Dimension of Responsive Justice".

The event brought together judges of the superior and district judiciary, legal experts, development partners, and institutional stakeholders for a landmark dialogue on judicial wellbeing in Pakistan.

Addressing the event, Justice Afridi said a judge, who is institutionally supported is better able to be fair, focused, and effectively responsive. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensure dignity, protection, and institutional support for the judiciary.

The CJP outlined a series of judicial reform initiatives led through the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee, including the establishment of Model Criminal Trial Courts, issuance of timelines for speedy disposal of civil and criminal matters and development of a Professional Excellence Index.

He also referred to formulation of ethical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in judiciary.

He said the committee has placed special focus on the wellbeing of district judiciary, with reforms addressing extraneous influence, performance evaluation, standardized recruitment, parity in service terms, and enhanced access to international exposure.

He also announced forthcoming memoranda of understanding with the Supreme Court of China and the Constitutional Court of Türkiye for judicial cooperation, including the exchange of judicial officers.

The CJP paid tribute to the silent strength of the judiciary and concluded with a resolute pledge: "This day is not just a tribute—it is a promise. You are not alone. The entire institution stands behind you."

The symposium later adopted a unanimous "Islamabad Declaration on Judicial Wellbeing", calling judicial wellbeing a "structural imperative" for a responsive and sustainable justice system.

The declaration affirmed the need to embed judicial wellbeing in all areas of reform—case management, digital integration and infrastructure.